2 June 2024. 80 years have passed since the closure of the penal colony of Marconia. No one remembers Umberto Terracini and those who fought against fascism. In the penal colony of Marconia, fascism imprisoned over 1500 people starting from 1939. Among those confined were important protagonists of anti-fascism such as Umberto Terracini who signed the Italian Constitution. Together with Terracini were Camilla Ravera, later Senator for life, Renato Bitossi, who would become President of the world union, Filippo Andrea Doria later first Mayor of Rome and many others. Intellectuals, workers, like Carlo Porta, metalworker of the Officine Reggiane, farmers, artisans. All the prisoners were used on the farm attached to the penal colony. We worked and prepared the future of freedom and we built links with the other prisoners who resided in the Lucanian municipalities, starting with Carlo Levi and the Lucanian communist, socialist and popular militants.
mingo giannace who ensured coordination among the confined
A great experience of cultural training and struggle which prepared the ground for the training of the cadres and leaders of the movements which resulted in the struggle for land, the overcoming of large estates, democracy and the democratic government of Local Authorities, the reconstruction of the Parties and trade unions. A long march of struggle and knowledge against poverty and for the transformation of the agricultural and urban landscape, work and a different life. In recent years the celebration of June 2 has regained the importance of rediscovering the roots of the history of the Resistance following the reappearance, even in new and unprecedented forms, of racism, anti-Semitism and anti-democratic practices. The reaffirmation of the values of freedom and democracy, even in our region, where the presence of fighting partisans was scarce, certainly passes through the valorization of the Constitutional Charter in addressing the central, unresolved question of the unity of democratic and progressive forces.
the penal colony of Marconia
The industry of fear against the least fortunate and migrants, who have become “resources” to save the food chain and care for the elderly, has also produced racism and divisions. The Pope has long remembered that we cannot save ourselves alone. Before him, Enrico Berliguer had indicated the path of democratic unity and the overcoming of inequalities, but he was not listened to with the consequences we know. The unitary and labor forces remaining in the field should resume the task of developing and implementing a rebirth program as in the post-war period and here we return to Marconia, without any sectarianism and escapes forward, eliminating dead-end leaderism. Work, manufacturing, services, quality of life and environment declined into achievable and practicable objectives in a national and international framework undergoing strong restructuring and adaptation. If we look at the great past of the democratic workers’ movement, at the Resistance, at the progress made, it is possible to think, in a relaunch phase, on issues such as the optimal use of available resources, the centrality of people and the territory, starting from the elderly who they have suffered a lot in recent years in poorly managed retirement homes, and the flight of young people which produces depopulation. Here are some elements to keep in mind in conjunction with the resumption of participation and renewal of management groups. Enhance health and school workers with reforms that put public structures back at the center by dealing with ongoing disputes. Yesterday in Potenza.Matera and in other places no one remembered the anti-fascists confined in Basilicata, over 3500 and 1500 from the penal colony of Marconia. Forgetfulness prevails. Perhaps it should be the Unions, the Anpi, the Municipalities who organize initiatives to remember the protagonists of the fight against Fascism, for the Constitution and the rebirth of Basilicata which resulted in the occupation of the lands, in the fight for irrigation, industrialization and the exit from the condition of poverty and isolation.
