Historically, Italian anti-racism emerged in the 1970s, yet often overlooked domestic issues. Public discourse in Italy ignored domestic colonial criticism, focusing instead on that of other European nations. Changes began in 1989 with the murder of Jerry Masslo, intensifying migrant rights struggles against institutional racism. This paper reconstructs over 30 years of Italian anti-racist movements, emphasizing the emergence of new activism. This evolution reflects a deeper understanding of structural racism and its colonial legacy, underscoring the need for a socio-historical approach that decentralizes white anti-racism and acknowledges the critical role of non-white individuals in these struggles. Two main transformations have marked Italian anti-racist movements. First, the drivers of these movements have shifted from primarily white allies to racialized individuals. Second, there is a growing understanding of racism as a structural phenomenon with colonial roots, which is a question of life and death. Events like the murder of George Floyd have expanded the anti-racist platform. New generations entering the debate focus on racial social stratification, identifying themselves as racialized subjects rather than second generation migrants or migrants’ descendants. This shift reconnects colonial history with the present, positioning Italy within the context of Western racial democracies.