THE GYPSY CHRONICLES BLOG

Feb 23 International Memorial, Embassy of Hungary, Just The Wind

2012-02-16T09:20:00.031-08:00

The Hungarian folk band Muzsikas will be performing at The Embassy of Hungary in Washington DC Feb 23 2012 - this is the same date as an international Memorial for those

whose lives were taken by racist right wing extremists in Tatarszentgyorgy, Hungary during the winter of 2008/2009.

In light of Hillary Clinton's Feb 5 announcement that the United States has joined The Decade of Roma Inclusion as Official Observer - helping to promote and protect the inalienable human rights of Roma everywhere - US citizens could take the time to join in solidarity with the Roma people...
... And of course if the Embassy of Hungary in Washington DC were to hold a memorial preceding the Feb 23 Muzsika concert being held at the Embassy, it would be a step forward, as well as a deeply meaningful and timely gesture. Should you wish to attend a memorial service at the Embassy before the Muszika concert please phone the Embassy to learn what, if anything they have planned. Contact Embassy of Hungary by email or phone: (202)-362-6730 email informacio.was@kum.

INTERNATIONAL MEMORIAL

If you wish to partake of the International Memorial please join Bela Radics and Marko Knudsen's Remember Them, Na bistren len community page on Facebook. If you are unable to attend a memorial service, they suggest you light a candle and sign your name on the page.

RELATED:
Berlin Film Festival, Hungarian director Bence Fliegauf's film Csak a Szel (Just the Wind) won the Jury Grand Prize Silver Bear, two independent jury prizes, the Peace Film Award and the Amnesty International Film Prize.
Just the Wind is about a Gypsy family under attack by racists - and the series of killings in Hungary that took place in 2008 - 2009 when right wing extremists claimed the lives of eight people in less than a year.
In response to some Hungarian critics who say the film sheds a dark light on Hungary, Fliegauf says that just as Germany faced up to the horrors of the Holocaust after World War II so too should Hungary fully face its own faults.
The production of the film in any case was supported in Hungary by two ministries. This in itself shows that a process of addressing reality has begun.
Part-documentary, Fliegauf's movie is a reflection on the sinister racism facing the Roma in Hungary. Fliegauf hopes that it will make a difference in the face of discrimination.

JUST THE WIND FILM TRAILER: http://www.critic.de/film/just-the-wind-3519/trailer/
Read Also;

Politics.hu : In central Hungary Government officials laid wreaths at the graves of two victims of anti-Roma attacks in Tatarszentgyorgy, Read more: Politics.hu

Politics.hu A working group (unpaid) chaired by state secretary of social inclusion and Roma affairs Zoltan Balog has been set up to monitor human rights in Hungary.

HumanRightsFirst.org U.S. The US government pays much needed attention to violence against .

* Helsinki Comission hearing on video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcCZ1ALzqsQ

TAMAS REVESZ: Alsószentmárton Revisited

2012-02-15T09:04:00.018-08:00

"There is no farewell to Roma issues at all."
Tamas Revesz

When Pulitzer award winning photographer Tamas Revesz revisited Alsószentmárton, the Hungarian Roma village that he photographed over 35 years ago he quickly realized, and the new photographs attest, that the only change after thirty five years is that tension and social problems have escalated. Some statistics from 2010: Alsószentmárton has 1187 habitants today, 42% of total population is under 18 years old. Average life expectancy is 45-46 year. Unemployment rate is 95%

Revesz believes that open talk is necessary to improve mutual tolerance and understanding between Roma and non-Roma people: "You can’t talk enough (and photograph enough) helping to raise awareness in both Roma and non-Roma communities.... I have no idea when will be a more balanced social and economical situation for this minority in Hungary and I am afraid even politicians have no answer for this. Nationalism is dangerously strong in East-Central- Europe. Hatred is present not only against neighbors over the border but within the same nation as anti-Semitism or as discrimination against the Roma people is dangerously strong. The gap between rich and poor widened tremendously since the fall of Berlin Wall and Roma people became even more disadvantaged as they were left behind in education and employment."

click photo to ENLARGE

In the summer of 2010 Revesz organized a community meeting in

Alsószentmárton where he projected all the images taken 35 years ago in order to identify people so that he could begin to photograph their life again. Click photo to enlarge - Note expressions of surprise as people recognize themselves from 35 years ago...In the second photo the black and white 1977 is beside recent photo of same person taken in 2010, color.

Tamasz Revesz photos "combine that which is visible to the human eye with that which is perceptible only to the human soul."
Presently hoping to publish a new book on his experience over the years with the Roma of Alsószentmárton, he started photographing Roma people more than 40 years ago: "It was in the sixties when I was driving home in the countryside of Hungary and looking out of the road I saw some barefoot Roma children stood on the snow. Behind them a mud-hump-house was on the snow-covered field alone, far from the village...."

Continue to rest of the story on TAMAS REVESZ WEBSITE

EUGENE HUTZ Video Manifesto on Globalization

2012-02-08T17:50:00.000-08:00

EUGENE HUTZ

Eugene Hütz's extemporaneous manifesto of 'multi-kontra culture' is a critique of globalization and multi-culturalism - mixed with some street noise and improvisational accordion of Yuri Lemeshev. The video was produced by EarSay - an artist-driven non-profit arts organization dedicated to 'uncovering and portraying stories of the uncelebrated.

Earsay:
'Eugene's manifesto is the last cut, and the last words of our book and performance, because the vision Eugene paints of how to keep the
culture alive, is the great hope of our project.'

Eugene's thoughts are also part of a new 400 page, 4-color book Visit Earsay.org to learn more about Crossing the BLVD project: the book, CD, & traveling exhibition. Founded by Warren Lehrer and Judith Sloan in 1999 Earsay projects bridge the divide between documentary and expressive forms in books, exhibitions, stage etc...

Enlighten Next the magazine for Evolutionaries:

While they embrace the rebellious spirit of their punk-rock roots, they (Gogol Bordello) diverge from its historically cynical ethos (fuck the man) in one very important way: they believe "the man" against whom we should rebel is cynicism itself.
Their mission statement (http://www.gogolbordello.com/the-band/mission/ ) emphasizes the urgent cultural argument for taking optimism to new heights.

Eugene Hutz Quote: "I don’t believe in raising the motherfucking awareness; I believe in getting down and making a difference y’know, so our method was always more extreme....
... I think politics is a business, and in any business you have positive trends, negative trends. These issues never go away for us, and they require a deeper solution— a more humanitarian approach than a political approach."

DESERVE DIGNITY: Zoe Zimmer, Slovakia Road Trip, Hans Zimmer, Gypsy Music

2011-12-30T20:04:00.000-08:00

Fashion photographer Zoe Zimmer documented several Roma settlements in Slovakia - the resulting work - her first documentary project, is an exhibition entitled "Deserve Dignity."

Zoe Zimmer: “Before I went, I thought about painted caravans and all sorts of romantic ideas of what a Gypsy is - I hope my photographs are a more realistic portrayal of how they’re actually living and the problems they face.”

While visiting Roma settlements, she saw children who attend segregated schools and musicians who struggle to afford their instruments. But she said she was struck by how optimistic many of the people were despite their hardships. CNN

Very few photographers documenting the plight of the Roma are written about in Huffington Post, featured on CNN and have their work exhibited internationally. From California where it premiered in a West Hollywood Library, Zimmer's Deserve Dignity is set to travel to New York and Chicago and will conclude sometime next year in Slovakia.

Zoe traveled to Slovakia with her father Hans Zimmer. Also part of the crew was a six-member delegation that included Bonnie Abaunza, director of Hans Zimmer's philanthropic Remote Control foundation. A well known activist, Bonnie's work has received commendations from the United States Congress House of Representatives. This was more than a picture taking expedition. It was part of a fact finding mission organized through former Secretary of State Madeline Albright and the nonprofit National Democratic Institute.

NDI: In four days the six member delegation visited 7 Roma settlements. Joining forces with other NDI members and citizens - they spoke with activists, community leaders, municipal councilors, members of parliament, ministry officials, journalists, educators and students. Before leaving Slovakia, the delegation briefed U.S. Ambassador Theodore Sedgwick on their initial thoughts and findings.

Bonnie Abaunza has great success in attracting a new generation of activists through the power of popular media: "She is the Wizardess of Oz in the film industry's human rights community," said activist John Prendergast, co-founder of the Enough Project and co-author, with actor Don Cheadle, of a book on the Darfur crisis, Not on Our Watch. Look behind the curtain on many of the key campaigns and there she is.

For Hans Zimmer, the Slovakia experience served also as a way to "listen to as many musicians as we could." (See Video below) while composing the soundtrack for the second Sherlock Holmes film. Traveling with him were members of his sound and editing crew. Parts of the film's score are heavily influenced by musical styles of Kokavakere Lavutara and the quintet Ciganski Baroni - two Gypsy bands with whom he met and played.
Hans Zimmer: "I'm not a politician. I know I can't fix the problem. Even though we are feeding right into the positive stereotype of the incredibly musical gypsy world, it's the only thing I know how to do right now. Maybe by putting a little work their way, it will make their lives a little bit better."
A portion of proceeds from the film's soundtrack will help the Roma pay for necessities like water, heating and bus fare to get their children to school.

CNN: http://cnnphotos.blogs.cnn.com /categoria / zoe-zimmer /
Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/08 /hans-zimmer-roma-sherlock-hOlmes-2_n_1133058.html
Billboard Biz http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz / industria / tv-film /hans-zimmer-usa-sherlock-hOlmes-colonna sonora-1005650562.story
Hollywood Reporter: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news /hans-zimmer-sherlock-holmes-Roma-zingari-275467

VIKTORIA MOHACSI

2011-12-22T07:12:00.002-08:00

Viktória Mohácsi

Despite threats and the fear of possible violent retaliation against herselfand her young family, Viktória Mohácsi continues to be a leading advocate to raise awareness and improve government responses.

On December 10, International Human Rights Day, her work was honored by Human Rights First See Video Below

ADDENDUM: Feb 5: Viktoria Mohacsi has left Hungary to settle in Canada - Read More: ROMEA.CZ

ROMANI WOMEN, HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVISM and FEMINISM

2011-08-11T08:27:00.004-07:00

THE JOINT STATEMENT OF EUROPEAN ROMA WOMEN

http://fra.europa.eu/fraWebsite/material/pub/general/Joint-Statement-European-Roma-women-activists.pdf WOMEN

At the meeting held on May 3, 2006 in Bucharest, Romani women representing

different networks and organizations as well as individuals agreed on the following
common values:

There is not one single definition of a ‘true’ Roma woman.

Roma women across Europe are diverse.

The concept of ‘real Roma woman’ and ‘not enough of a Roma woman’ does not exist.

We are aware of our differences, we accept them and we fully appreciate them

Everyone is free to choose their partner based on their sexual orientation and weshall not discriminate against and/or exclude homo/bisexual women from the Roma women’s agenda.

We want to preserve our Romani culture but also acknowledge that there are harmful practices which violate the human rights of Roma women.

JOINT POSITION ON EARLY MARRIAGES, ARRANGED / FORCED MARRIAGES AND VIRGINITY TESTING:

We Roma women activists acknowledge the fact that these practices are harmful to young women and men and should be eliminated. These practices are not ‘Roma practices’ but they rather exist in every patriarchal society/community.
Although these practices are present within the community, the Roma do not have the sole responsibility in overcoming them.
We, the human rights defenders of Roma women believe that law must prevail and culture should not be used as an excuse whenever such practices are being performed.

"When Romani women in the ghettos and villages know

about our existence, then we'll become a movement."

ROMEDIA FOUNDATION:

"Our culture is still unknown to most, rumors and prejudices about who we are abound and make up a wall through which we are trying to break through to show, one story by one story, that we are individuals, mothers, daughters, wives. My grand-mother believed that she could make it through and it is now for me to make sure everyone knows that others made it through, too."
- Katalin Barsony. Managing Director of the Romedia Foundation, Romani activist

EUROPEAN ROMA RIGHTS CENTRE:

"The Romani women's movement has evolved organically through the wider pursuit of Roma rights by Romani women and men over the years in response to the initial (and mostly continuing) lack of attention to women's issues on the part of the predominantly male "leaders", some of whom viewed patriarchal traditions as integral components of Romani identity and culture. Romani women's first steps to speak out about their rights as women and to challenge the idea that certain practices are a part of Romani culture have often been met with criticism, rejection or have been simply ignored. The fact is that women's rights in all contexts tend to be a cause of controversy, but particularly when in juxtaposition with other characteristics such as race or ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, etc."
Read more:
http://errc.org/popup-article-view.php?article_id=2750

DECADE CONFERENCE:
Where are the Roma Women Today?

ENISA EMINOVA

2011-07-13T12:26:00.000-07:00

ENISA EMINOVA

"I didn't really make a choice between being traditional Roma woman or being a modern Roma woman, but I had to make a choice as a young person whether I wanted to receive an education and have a good position in society, or be just another 'ordinary' young person from Macedonia, from my neighbourhood."

Enisa Eminova

I met Enisa Eminova on Facebook - she impressed me straightaway as a woman who says what she means, means what she says and holds nothing back. I asked her job title: "Job title? I dont have any. I do human rights activism for which i reject to receive money so that my mouth and brain remain open and independent. When I do need to work for money I work as a freelance consultant on gender related matters. For example my last paid assignment was Senior Gender Analyst Assistant for the OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission in Macedonia. It was 3 weeks only... so that is what i do when i need to earn money... "

I thought of Enisa today while listening to Isabelle Allende's TED talk : Allende asserts that civilization is ready for change but real change is only possible with passionate feminine energy in charge ! - see Allende's Ted talk video below.

While listening to Allende, I thought about women such as Sara Carmona - an original thinker who stands by her words, the insightful Jana Horvathova, Enisa Eminova - among others - gaining in power and voice and indeed, effecting change. Women are becoming the real movers and shakers within the Romani community and without - they are taking risks in sharing original ideas of which the patriarchy do not approve, shaking up the world order, and indeed - acting passionately from the heart in moving their vision forward. While the politicians have their backs turned and fight one another for power, these women are picking up the slack - striding forward in action, not words.

Enisa Eminova has the vision to improve the human rights of Roma women - confronting everything from race and class issues to the taboo subject of women's sexuality within Roma communities. Her job is not easy! Her work, and similar efforts by her colleagues, has proven effective in bringing Roma women's issues to light.She began as an activist by volunteering in the Roma Education program run by the Open Society Institute at age 17. In a 'life-changing experience' she made the decision to broach the taboo subject of Roma women's sexuality in Macedonia - her first campaign tackled the humiliating virginity test to which young Roma woman are subjected on their wedding day:

"They felt ready to take on the issue of their bodies in the Roma community,

where a girl's virginity serves as a tool to oppress and prevent Roma girls from

exercising their right to education, freedom of movement and human development,

out of the notion that contact with the opposite sex endangers a girl's perceived purity..."

Choosing Between Two Paths : Enisa Eminovska shares personal insight illuminated by a conversation she had with her 75 year old grandmother who married at age 15.

Gender Lens on Gypsies, Elayne Clift : Young Romani women are subjected to pre-marital examinations, sometimes by family members, to determine whether they are virgins.

KHAMORO TALKS

Isabelle Allende Ted Talk: TALES OF PASSION

GYPSY SEXUALITY

2011-06-07T08:54:00.000-07:00

Presented by Jud Nirenberg author of Romani Politics in Contemporary Europe, the essays in GYPSY SEXUALITY include several accomplished authors and activist.
Jud Nirenberg's blog

Nirenberg: Roma (Gypsy) communities are not all the same. Everywhere, however, Roma are the objects of some mixture of distrust and exoticism. This collection of essays offers rare and candid voices of Roma and non-Roma women and men on sexuality, gender and... inter-racial relations. The collection explores the myths about the romantic and alluring Gypsies and some of the most controversial realities.

From teen marriage to prostitution to some governments’ coercive sterilization of Romani women and with memoirs covering topics from inter-ethnic love affairs to rape, Gypsy Sexuality collects the words of poor Roma in slums alongside the writing of the community’s political and women’s rights leaders. The reader will never think about Gypsies the same way.

In the book is Maria Serba-Temisan's essay Regulated Sexuality within Roma Culture. After a short lesson in Roma History it focuses on how Gypsy law affects the level of sexual autonomy amongst the Roma / Gypsies. Serba-Temisan considers the oppression faced by Romani Gypsy women "as they are at the bottom of the social ladder and they have to obey most regulations imposed by traditions, but also by the men in their communities."
She takes a look at Romani traditions regarding marriage, attitudes towards sex and sexuality. Also interesting was how difficult it was to speak on the subject with her interviewees as...
Sex is a highly taboo subject in traditional Gypsy culture - the essay explores how sex is treated as a non-event, denying its existence.
The emphasis on sex and virginity, and the regulation of sexuality thereof.


ASHMET ELEZOVSKI

'One needs to read this attentively.

This book shows the reality of Romani life.

I believe that more books like this are needed.'

~Asmet Elezovski; Secretary General, European Roma and Travelers’ Forum

INTERVIEW:
JUD NIRENBERG Gypsy Sexuality Q & A

"...this book is very rare. Firstly, it is suitable reading both for the aspiring expert on Roma, and for the reader who is totally unfamiliar with Roma, minority rights or the politics of civil rights in Eastern Europe. It’s interesting for gender-issues students, but also for people who may never have picked up a book of that kind before. And it is addressing very important human-rights questions that other books have completely overlooked. It is bringing together the words of Romani activists and non-Romani writers, women and men, highly educated Roma and women on the street. That’s hard to find.
Interview in its entirety: Jordan Ink

Tamas Demeny on Menyhert Lakatos: The Making of Self

2011-06-03T07:03:00.000-07:00

This writing on Smokey Pictures by Menyhert Lakatos is an excerpt from Tamas Demeny's essay

MENYHERT LAKATOS
1926 - 2007
"Menyhért Lakatos autobiography Smokey Pictures is not simply a description of a life lived in minority status, but also inventions of new, hitherto unexplored definitions of selves. He uses the dire circumstances of hunger, alienation, and violence in innovative ways to define and invent his intellectual being through knowledge, resistance, and restless movement."

Tamas Demeny: The physical reality of hunger appears in Smokey Pictures. In a passage of vivid description, Lakatos tells how the gypsies stole dead pigs that were thrown out because of a disease that swept through the nearby farm. This was in the middle of winter, a time of great hunger in the whole gypsy district. In spite of the heavy guarding of pig carcasses, the gypsies managed to steal, carry home, prepare, and eat — all in the same night — some of the dead pigs. And it is interesting how suddenly Lakatos turns his account of this description of hopelessness, poverty, and hunger into an account of his own role—still a child—as a giver not of food for the body but of knowledge, literature, and intellectual entertainment:

"...On the same night, they finished the pig. Some of the best parts were given
to neighbors and family members, to those who could not get hold of a
dead animal at that time. This was the custom. ... On these occasions, our
poor country turned into a fairy-land. One afternoon, old Khandi came to
me with three large volumes of books. ... Soon after, the custom of black
magic was stopped. ... My public readings became extremely popular from
the very first night..."

Without any complicated transitional passages, he thus turns, in the book, from the description of hunger and its desperate appeasement to his own role of bringing knowledge, intellectual food, to a people that suffered not only from physical necessities but harmful beliefs and lack of education as well. One of the major themes in Smokey Pictures is the description of how he was sent to school as a result of some strange events. When he goes to school, he again describes hunger at home:

“For days, there was no food at home. When my mother became ill, there was nobody
to trade for us, and we ate up all of our resources. ... I was lucky because I
got food at school. I always carried an extra bag and took home the remains
of food to my little brothers and sisters”

Here the connection between food and school is direct and seemingly refers only to actual
food for the body. But the next sentence again refers to an inner hunger, a reinventing the self and an “inner desire” he had, even though he “did not at the time know yet what it was”
During the summer, at work and in the company of other gypsies, he differentiates himself from his friends by his intellectual cravings:

“I spent hours on a single idea or thought at a time. Events that I
myself weaved from my imagination came to life as wonderful reality... I became someone who desired to burn everything to ashes around him in order to create a new world”

Descriptions of real physical hunger are turned into a desire for learning and knowledge in Lakatos’ life. This is a desire not simply to lessen hunger in the every-day life of his people, but to change things at their roots by emerging as a new person through education, knowledge, and writing. Rejection of the accepted modes of behavior as a minority person alienates him not only from non Roma but also from the Roma - In Smokey Pictures, gypsy boys entertain a crowd of people:

The gypsy children soon made the best of the situation. They realized that the crowd became too drunk to enjoy their dance after a while. Instead, they wanted the gypsies to fall to the ground and twitch their bodies around like so many wild animals after having been shot.

While the children accept this belittling role, Lakatos himself stays out of the game and helps his one friend whose epileptic seizure occurs because of the wild entertainment. His unusually sober behavior in this animal- like entertainment draws the anger of one of the drunk lords present. In a fit of passion, he shoots at Lakatos and seriously wounds him. Significantly, however, this becomes the turning point in Lakatos’ life. As a compensation, his schooling is financed by this otherwise malignant and
hateful person who wounded him. And it is his schooling that will raise him above his people, but at the same time allow him to resist the expected lifestyle and struggle in favour of a more enlightened life.
Read Tamas Demeny essay in its entirety: .http://www.litere.uvt.ro/vechi/documente_pdf/bas/bas_2007%5B1%5D.pdf

LESLIE HAWKE: Education is the way forward

2011-04-20T05:46:00.000-07:00

Well educated, well spoken, credible and with a wide circle of influence, Leslie Hawke's (mother of actor Ethan Hawke) indoctrination as a Romani Activist began when she found a little boy begging in the streets of Romania. She brought him to a children's shelter and there he stayed happily for three days until his mother showed up and angrily reclaimed him, chastising Leslie for interfering with her family's economic situation: The little boy she had found begging on the streets had been the family's only source of income.

In this way, Leslie learned first hand the three options that exist for many Roma are stealing, begging or starving. From her experience with the little boy and his mother she set forth to strategize a way forward with her NGO organization OVIDIU -

Received wisdom amongst NGO's, scholars, politicians and Roma activists is that change will not come for the Roma without Education. Those in the know understand well that Education is the way forward.

In Hawke's Media Presentation below (In 3 Parts) she posits that it is class differences

(education, income level and property ownership) and not cultural
differences that separate Roma as different.

JANA HORVATHOVA

2011-04-17T19:49:00.000-07:00

The Role of Healthy Self Confidence in the Integration Process
Below is an excerpt from Jana Horvathova's essay which presents the issue of ethnic identity from the point of view of an insider.

... The regime rashly and headlong demolished the Roma family structure and hierarchies which have existed for centuries and constituted the backbone of their communities. The Roma started to loose faith in the cornerstones of their culture, whatever it might be, but did not receive any adequate replacement. The loss of values brought them into a vacuum, conducive to deep demoralisation. The Roma themselves started to believe that their culture was paltry and undeserving of attention. Moreover, the already disintegrating traditional structures failed to support them. The state paternalism, on the contrary, taught the Roma not only to rely on it, but also to take the advantage of it.

Read the rest of Horvathova's Essay - Page 74

PROJET DOSTA!

2011-01-17T10:10:00.000-08:00

Projet Dosta is a response to racist policies and excessive violence towards the Roma people and has been taken up and continues with key activists all over France. Hands on in nature and marked by symbol Projet Dosta introduces a new language of resistance. What we see is a knitting together of Roma and Non-Roma through the deeper meaning of one word transformed into a powerful symbol: Dosta! In Romani language Dosta translates to Enough!

First step in the campaign is the painting of a sign:

In painting the word Dosta! one is essentially imprinting a visual symbol of one's intent; word and symbol are thus connected. While painting one is reflecting upon the deeper meaning of the word one letter at a time. One is transforming the word into an affirmation - Dosta is an affirmation - a quiet demonstration - It is a strong visual symbol of one's intent to help end prejudice.

After the signs have been painted, photographs are taken. The protesters are photographed always at eye level. It is a portrait of solidarity: Two faces and four hands around one word.

And finally, the photos are enlarged to life size and affixed to walls in the streets - in places where Roma are badgered by the political powers that be.

Aligned along the streets, the posters of silent protesters are having a visual impact on passerby.- The photographs are taken at eye level so that the viewer does not lower the eyes.

"Because the eye is in the middle of the words. An eye to see to the bone."~ S. Burgundian

Stand up, Speak up

2011-01-03T10:47:00.000-08:00

True story: Jarmila Vanova of Roma Media Center was passenger on a bus one day when she witnessed the driver refuse a Roma boy entry. It was outrageous racism on the bus driver's part but not a single passenger raised a brow - except for Jarmila - who rose from her seat and spoke up for the boy. The bus driver turned to her, his face red with anger. Jarmila realized she was very close to being thrown off the bus but to her great credit she continued to Speak Up.

Its not always easy to speak up - can be intimidating, especially in public in front of strangers. And yet if we do not speak up we miss an important opportunity open a racist's mind set. This list is a compilation of tips from ANTar website - in Australia. You can find more tips for speaking up to government, family, friends, siblings, etc - on their website.

Speaking Up Tips:
ANTar

Positivity You will achieve more if you speak up in a non-confrontational way.

Preparation Sooner or later a situation will come along that will require you to challenge racist remarks. Prepare something to say in advance. Open ended questions can hasten meaningful dialogue.

"Why do you say that?"

"How come you believe that?"

Never call anyone a racist – most people will get offended and will disengage after that, so you may not achieve anything.

If the speaker is someone you know, call on their beliefs.

"Joe, I've always thought of you as a fair-minded person,

so it shocks me when I hear you say something that sounds so racist."

Consider just saying "No."

"Jane, I have to stop you there. I do not share your beliefs about the Roma ..."

Confidence: You will feel more confident speaking up if you familiarize yourself with facts that debunk some of the negative stereotypes about the Roma.

JAN YOORS: Paramitsha

2011-01-01T17:28:00.000-08:00

... the tellers of fairy tales, though much appreciated in their own place - were considered slightly odd and their interest in repeating Paramitsha not very dignified, for these tales were pure entertainment and nothing else....

Excerpt from Jan Yoors book: The Gypsies, on Paramitsha - or fairy tales.

Next to the living flowing tradition of the swatura, or tales of experience, the Rom had a more formalized kind of story, the Paramitsha, or fairy tales. These were mostly told during the winter months, that otherwise dreaded period of enforced immobility. On these occasions Keja would bake wagon-wheel pies filled with poppy seeds and honey, and with the pie we usually had tea in glasses. The Paramitsha were in no way didactic or even directly related to Gypsy lore. Their value lay purely in the artistry of the storyteller, and many of them may very well have been borrowed and adapted from the various populations among whom the Rom had lived. These tales were usually told and retold in almost the exact same word sequence, which everybody knew, but they could only be told by and were considered the exclusive property of the particular storyteller. Only after his Death could the Paramitsha eventually be repeated by another, sometimes after not having been heard for many years, but full credit had to be given to the original teller. On cold winter nights, we might be squatting or lying on our big soft eiderdowns, enjoying the comforting warmth of the potbellied stove in our winter quarters, while outside the strong wind would be blowing and making our wagons rock on their high wheels; then a man might say "This is the Paramitsha of the Tzintari as I learned it from Nonoka many, many years ago, and as he entertained us by telling it, so I will try to entertain you..."

Jan Yoors The Gypsies: Amazon

Related; Links:
Richard Oneill; Traditional Storyteller

Gypsy Lee Winter

ERIKA VARGA: ROMANI DESIGN

2010-12-15T16:58:00.000-08:00

"... if there is a brand that builds on the traditions of Roma culture, it will become of great value..."
Erika Varga

During the years of Erika Varga's apprenticeship, she was constantly considering the idea of a workshop creating handmade jewelry and fashion for Roma women. There are no products or brands, jewels, dresses or accessories specially created and designed with the Roma people in mind. With a view to meeting the cultural and fashion criteria of her own community Erika Varga created Romani Design: "Don’t we possess enough prestige to be treated as a consumer group? A culture will not survive unless its needs are served. Taking all these thoughts to a higher level, I applied for the grant of the Hungarian Employment Public Foundation and established the Romani Fashion Studio with their financial support in the first year."

Read the full interview with Erika Varga Here: http://thegypsychronicles.net/RomaniDesign.aspx.

Shutka

2010-11-10T18:35:00.000-08:00

SHUTKA BOOK OF RECORDS

Invented in the spirit of the city which inspired it, the film "Shutka Book of Records" is a collection of madcap characters as reflected through some circus style mirror. Each character is an exaggerated personality - there is much rivalry for status and position dramatized by competion to be the 'champion' of something - anything: who has seen the scariest vampire, who has the most suits, the sweetest canary or who is the most sophisticated. After its premier in its home country, The Shutka Book of Records has quickly gained a cult following . Watch with English Subtitles.

Princes Amongst Men

Journeys with Gypsy Musicians Paperback 352 pages

Garth Cartwright fuses travel and music writing as he
travels through the Balkans, heading to Gypsy
settlements weaving historical fact, mythic tales
in a contemporary voice.
EXCERPT:

Shutka shares Skopje’s hot, dusty ambience. Only Shutka’s hotter and dustier. Indeed, descending the bus there’s so much dust I feel like I’ve arrived on the verge of a desert. Immediately surrounded by Gypsy pygmies - no, hold on, they’re kids, sooty and boiling with glee at having a new Gadje to play with – shouting “Photo!” “Photo!”, I start down the main street, hordes of ankle biters trailing my every move. There goes an inconspicuous entry .

Having fled into side streets to escape my army of infant admirers I find mid-afternoon Shutka engaged in a siesta of sorts, market closed, few people about. Dogs relax in the sun, geese march around the yard, families sit on their porch, horses are tethered, Yugos rattle past. Popular pastimes include cultivating vines and racing pigeons. Beautiful children smile and say in a lazy, sing-song manner “foto” before sullen fathers whisk daughters inside. This is a land of slow dreams and easy, sensual affection. No wonder the best footage Kusturica has ever shot was in Shutka. I grew up in a post-war suburb, grid living, fields of box houses on tidy quarter acre sections running towards rugby grounds and golf courses and, inevitably, towards more and more houses. Many Yugoslav immigrants shared my West Auckland ‘burb, relieved at escaping a nation that had known so much grief across the first half of the 20th Century. Yet they surely missed things – cafes, markets, farm smells, local humour, weary blues, old buildings, the ruins of history, messy everyday stuff that knits a community’s soul. And the Gypsies. I bet, tucked up in their suburban comfort, hearing the sound of lawnmowers and sprinklers, radios and TVs, they missed the chatter and music and nuisance of the Gypsies. Subconsciously, damn, I know I did.

To read the full excerpt find 'Princes Amongst Men' & Mahala: City of Gypsies
on author's website: http://garthcartwright.com/

Red Catherine Johns

2010-11-07T18:03:00.000-08:00

My father taught me to tell the truth. He said that people don't believe us anyway so might as well tell the truth.

~ Red Catherine Johns

Red Catherine Johns is a Romani Gypsy woman who lives on 168 acres in in the Mallee of South Australia with 100 others - but she is the only human. Animals are in Red's bones, blood, soul and heart, the "glue that holds the magic together."

12 years ago she wrote a book about her experiences, has another on the way (Note to literary agents: Give Red a look!) There are two films about her, one is a short student film called: A Romany Encounter .

And there is another film about Red called ON THE DROM.

On the Drom is about the 1,500 ks trip that Red did last year, it was filmed by Julie Byrne,a professional film maker who stayed with Red for the whole trip.The film is ready to be edited to have it ready for viewing, but money is the issue: "Julie will need fifty five thousand Red says, Maybe next year when i'm on the drom I can raise some money...but hey...then it goes for the animals!"

Red: "A question that is often asked of me is 'Are you really a Gypsy,' I smile and reply, "Yes I am and while we've been talking I've been through your pockets!" Then I watch their faces, it makes me laugh...and their hands...some immediatley pat their pockets, others check as they walk away or we go to leave! It's just too funny, seldom does anyone laugh and NOT check...."

A ROMANY ENCOUNTER

(the Student film - not to be confused with On the Drom)

RED CATHERINE JOHNS:

I dont hurt animals, go to war, kill, watch violence or think money is God. I'm a caretaker here, its an honor to be alive in paradise but some fuckers are wrecking the joint!

"I realize that I have so much to share, the way my father taught me through sign language to listen - to hear, observe, be quiet, the traveling way of telling other people where we were by signs left... but over all to be observant, to be aware, to talk and talk to cover the listening and watching, so very aware, to be alive in so many ways..."

Red's first book, a Resilient Spirit tells the story of her unusual life with joy, humour and disarming candour. Pitched between parent and grandparent, suburb and bush, house and sheep station, she was a gutsy little girl who learned to wrestle what joy she could from childhood and whose best friends were dogs and horses; a teenage misfit - teachers branded her "uncontrollable" - she was sent to jillaroo on a remote country station; a reluctant shop assistant she escaped each afternoon to work as a strapper on the local racetrack.

Red: "My book is about 12 years old now, and much has happened in the last years. Being here in the .valley where there are nine houses and we've had everything but a marriage here! There has been murder and mayhem, police raids on the neighbours including the swat team - and then all the dramas that circle around the animals - and the weather...I am very slowly writing a second book about living here in the valley and also on the drom."

Red: "I find it a strange position to be in, the only Romani in this huge country to still travel traditionally by horse and vardo...amazing... Other Roms I've met have told me to 'go modern' get a car and caravan....
Everywhere I go on the drom old people come out and say to me, "We remember you people, you use to camp there. Often that was me when I was a kid!
How I long to meet other Romani's here in Australia who travel on the drom by horse and vardo. So many people meditate. You know, travelling so slow is the deepest meditation and contact we can have with spirit for spirit is there all around and in us, a deep connection.

My father taught me to tell the truth. He said that people don't believe us anyway so might as well tell the truth.

LIFT YOUR PENS

2010-11-07T09:31:00.000-08:00

In a recent letter a direct appeal was made to the EU by a group of Bulgarian Roma urging the Commission to rethink its current approach. The letter provides insight into the existing EU approach and evidence of political manipulations - referring to OLAF reports and fraudulent misuse of funds.

*Link to letter

The writers consider the Roma question in Europe as political and not social in nature and suggest putting an end to discriminative practices, offering thoughtful insight as to how to implement such change.
The letter ends:
"It is time for good intentions to give way to concrete actions, and we express our willingness to participate in the development of one reasonable and effective policy regarding the Roma situation at the European level."

‎"Politicians in Brussels feel very comfortable now because Roma don't express their opinion, Roma are people who don't protest and are always grateful and always accept everything. Being EU citizens we express our disagreement with this policy in the letter. We want respect and we are ready to fight for it."
~ Orhan Tahir

More people from other EU member states are invited to send letters to the Commission.

KERIEVA

2010-10-27T08:06:00.000-07:00

St Augustine wrote: Miracles are not contrary to nature, but only contrary to what we know about nature.
... also: human nature, for to pull out by the roots the hatred that darkens millions of hearts is indeed miracle-seeming to me. But how else can true change for the Roma people be effected if not through the heart?

Kerieva's song - or anthem, really - Dikhen Ande, means 'look' and warns young Romani to be aware of the big picture for the past is repeating itself - fascism, violence, anti Roma sentiment is a reality in Europe.
Hatred and the acting out of that hatred is manifest. Dikhen Ande! breaks into the heart, gives to it a sound rattling and in doing, raises awareness. Through this video, more people will surely rally to the cause. It is through the work of activists - like Kerieva - strong visionaries who possess the ability to open eyes (and hearts) - that more people are being made aware, and the cause grows.

Kerieva: The song calls for action rather than self-depreciation, to the community at large - whilst still remembering a rather gruesome genocide in the lifetimes' of our grandparents, we resist the replication of yet another, by any means necessary.

Dikhen Ande was conceived first by a report in the Guardian Newspaper Kerieva had read.about young Gypsy girls corpses that laid upon the beach - while sunbathers looked the other way.

JAKE BOWERS INTERVIEW:

**Travellers Times Magazine

includes lyrics and translation
of Dikhen Ande.

SARAH BEDAK

2010-10-22T14:17:00.000-07:00

Addendum: Recent article by Gordon Weiss of The Global Mail features Sarah Bedak and her Hungarian Roma father, Rigo. Read : Gypsies, Little Tramps and Thieves

Sarah Bedak is the dynamic founder of high energy Gypsy band LoLo Lovina - which means Red Beer, in Romanes. Lolo Lovinas first album Baro Love' was nominated for an ABC Limelight Award. She comes from a Hungarian Gypsy musical & peformance dynasty. Her father Rigo Bedak spent his teenage years as a trapeze artist in a Hungarian circus, her grandfather was Budapest violinist Janos Bedak, and her great grandfather was the legendary Pista Danko. Dubbed King of Notca, he was the second ever Hungarian Roma Gypsy to have a statue erected in his honor. The statue still stands today & legend says that any virgin girl who walks past the statue can hear Danko's violin!

While on an Australian Council funded tour of Hungary and Serbia, Sara visited her Roma family in Budapest, hung out in the 8th District, sang and danced with Khamoro. In Veljevo she sang and danced from 10am -2am for two weeks straight: "sleep is over rated!" says she - and had the amazing opportunity to learn from and collaborate with members of Gypsy Trick Okestra & Kal and spent time at the Amala School in Veljevo.

Sarah: "I've left my heart in Eastern Europe! I'm really the only musician in Sydney who identifies as Roma. So I'm a bit lonely really - hence my heart being left behind! But there are some amazing players who have played Gypsy music forever and play it very well, so I am blessed. There are some Rom families on the Gold Coast - a 12 hours drive from my front door! - who I'd love to collaborate with at some stage!"

LoLo Lovina is looking forward to unleash brand new material - songs Sarah learned on her tour of Serbia - at their concert in Newton on the 13 of November. A percentage of proceeds from the concert will be donated to EsperanzAssociation Missing Children an organization supporting Roma in France in a very grass roots way: hiding, feeding and clothing Roma families.The evictions are very violent. Especially upsetting with winter approaching

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/lololovinamusic

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lolo-Lovina/12224010882

EsperanzAssociation Missing Children:

http://esperanzassociation.skyrock.com/

JEANETTE GREGORI

2010-10-13T14:50:00.000-07:00

In a TV documentary French TV followed up two of the characters portrayed in Jeannette Gregori's set of photographs called Enfances Tsiganes.

Jeannette photographs Romani children and their families with affection and intimacy - inviting us into their homes in this spacious house that is the street. It was by coincidence that Jeannette first began to photograph Roma children as they were living in a camp with their families next to her apartment. The children enjoyed being in front of the camera - it was fun, but somewhere along the line she realized the potential of the images to raise awareness.

With great sensitivity, Jeannette works on behalf of the Roma. Hers is a truly positive vision towards building respect, awareness and acceptance of Roma culture. And, because she works from the heart her work in its turn, opens the heart - and this is a very fine thing!

AUREL

In the beginning of the documentary we find ourselves in a Roma field in the area of Strasbourg. There we meet Aurel, a twelve-year old boy from Romania. His family has just received an eviction threat by the French government and his mother explains the difficulties of returning Romania as the living conditions are even worse than in France. It costs money to come back to France and Aurel's academic year suffers from these disruptions. As for Aurel's classmates, they refuse to visit him on the field and even although he doesn't admit it in an open way he suffers from this.

Jeannette Gregori's photographs have been exhibited in a gallery which is also a hairdresser parlour. The manager Alexandre Lesmes, is of Columbian origin and has been involved in various causes in Columbia and Ethiopia. He expresses his concern about the series of Roma evictions in France. In the documentary we see Jeannette Gregori comment on her photographs. She underlines the fact that Romania has to deal with the problem of discrimination against the Roma community. The current plight has gone too far.

NATACHA and FAMILY

The last character in the video is Natacha, an accordionist. . She lives in the projects of Strasbourg. In the documentary she expresses her disappointment concerning the situation of Cirque Romanes whose working permit has been withdrawn by the French government. Cirque Romanes was selected to represent France in the international Shangaï exhibit. It is preposterous that they shoud be denied their right to perform their arts now because of the national anti-Gypsy political measures.

Découvrez L'exposition "Enfances Tziganes" de Jeannette Gregori sur Culturebox !

Jeannette's photos have exhibited at the Médiathèque André Malraux as well as the Council of Europe and have appeared in Le Monde as well as AZART Photo magazine.

www.instantes-photo.com
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=539415827

MONA MANOUCHE

2010-10-07T17:07:00.000-07:00

Manouche artist Juliana Metbach also known as Mona Manouche was born into a large circus family that travelled. She was an acrobat contortionist.

"I loved drawing, but lacked the equipment and so I drew with anything: in the sawdust of the circus on the panes of the caravan when it was very cold at night because there was no heating... Despite the cold on my fingers and my nails, my thirst to draw did not stop.

... One day surprise, a man noticed my drawings and gave me real oil paints and brushes in a real big box of sheet metal painted a pretty yellow. In exchange, he asked me to do a painting on the canvas he had in his hands. And happy I answered "YES!" It was the first real painting that I made in my life. "

All of Mona's paintings are for sale. Contact Mona Facebook

VERA BILA: Black and White in Colour

2010-10-07T16:59:00.000-07:00

"Vera Bila is a huge woman who wears a skin-tight red dress on stage and is addicted to gambling on the fruit machines. This up-close portrait reveals a moody, passionate, eccentric artist devoted to her husband "I trim his toenails with my teeth" Here is a film which incorporates the vicissitudes of Rom life in post-Soviet Eastern Europe and celebrates the Rom ability to make art in the midst of a predominantly hostile foreign culture."

Film: Black and White in Colour

Review:

"Vera Bila is as real as it gets. Almost spherical in shape, cussing and chain-smoking, with an attitude and a voice that Bessie Smith might have been proud of, Vera Bila is a mighty musical force to be reckoned with. The reality of her life, however, as revealed in this excellent documentary, is one of hardship and heartbreak. This is a blues film, about a blues life, and the people featured have blues attitudes - stoical, wry, gallows humor that expects the worst and is rarely disappointed. Tough and truthful, honest and touching, in places depicting humanity at the very bottom of he economic scrap heap of Eastern Europe, this film is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the vitality of the music made by people with nothing to lose but the Romany blues."

Amoun Sleem

2010-09-23T10:33:00.000-07:00

Amoun Sleem
From sponsoring a Catering Course for Gypsy women to having a work shop that makes jewelry and unique crafts to sell in their eclectic shop, Amoun Sleem, director of The Domari Society of Gypsies in Jerusalem is doing great things and has her hands full. There are courses with a view to empowering Gypsy women - Amoun envisions that one day these women will open their own businesses, "perhaps opening a restaurant offering Gypsy dishes like kishk, a dry yogurt containing bulgur, and their own specially-brewed tea. My society is getting slowly back to its roots."

Domari Society of Gypsies in Jerusalem has an open door policy and Sleem welcomes volunteers. Needed are people to lead courses for women, work with kids and create fundraisers. Also donations are welcome. Be in touch with them!
Contact:

Domari Society Facebook:
Domari:Website

Jarmila Vaňová

2010-09-23T10:05:00.002-07:00

DIKTV: First ever Roma internet television station, with Roma in mind. Mover and shaker Jarmila Vaňová of Roma Media Center is director of programming for DIKTV with a mission to create 'a virtual Roma world which allows them to build their own identity' Anyone tuning into DIKTV can expect to experience a positive, proactive viewing environment rich in culture and important issues of the day.

Jarmila Vanova

“As Roma journalists we decided to create this virtual space to which we invite Roma from all over the world to visit. We consider it paramount that all Roma have the chance to use their native language and to see how Roma in other countries really live. Our vision is that the Roma will find what they are looking for on our Internet television site, what they require in order to know themselves and their identity, so that they are proud to be Roma...” Jarmila Vanova

http://www.diktv.eu/
http://cs-cz.facebook.com/diktv

Roma, Education & Rights

2010-08-12T09:11:00.001-07:00

Roma kids are often refused admissions and are sent to schools for mentally disabled.

Jud Nirenberg :According to studies, 65 to 75 percent of Romanies are placed in "special schools" before they reach puberty. Unless we accept that three-quarters of Romany children are born mentally challenged, this clearly shows there is a segregated school system in the Czech Republic. Justifications are not requested, thank you — only rectification. There is only one reason for three-quarters of nonwhite children to be in schools for the mentally challenged and the reason is not a legitimate one.

Systematic Segregation: Mayors and local school authorities in Slovakia and other central and eastern European states still favour segregation of Roma children, despite national policies adopted by the central governments.

"There is no country where the situation of the Roma is good."
Vladimir Spidla

Until solutions for including Roma children in the national school systems are invented or adopted by govenments, many non profit organizations are struggling to give to the Roma children a good education.

AMBRELA ROMA EDUCATION CENTER

SHUTKA AMBRELA is a nongovernmental organisation in Šuto Orizari, Macedonia, the largest Roma settlement in the world (ca. 30.000 inhabitants), that applies itself to the integration of Roma in society. A particularly important step toward this goal is to grant the children and young people of the Roma population the same access to education as all other children in Macedonia.

Hanul Bulldozed

2010-07-06T05:51:00.000-07:00

Today the oldest Roma camp in France disappeared.

Policemen in uniform evicted by force the inhabitants of Hanul and their supporters then immediately destroyed the camp with 3 bulldozers.

The Roma of Hanul and their supporters are before the mayor of St-Denis requesting
to find a solution for emergency shelter

HANUL

2010-07-04T09:42:00.001-07:00

There is a real desire in France to silence stories dealing with Roma rights, and so very few citizens are aware of what is about to take place this week, in a small shanty town called Hanul, located in St Denis.

Journalists: If however, foreign journalists would cover the story, it would then shame the French for encouraging silence amongst their larger press offices - and possibly help to lift the ban. And if the ban were lifted and French press were to report on what is taking place in Hanul, some local citizens would of course stand behind the Roma people of Hanul in support, thereby enabling the possibility of change to the course of events, for there is power in numbers.

Yes, The Roma of Hanul have once again been served papers, demanding that they leave Hanul - the oldest Roma settlement in all of France - and so far, it is not being reported in the largest most well read French newspapers.

Sit in This week a sit-in is being staged at the Hanul settlement in support of the Roma people.
The fear runs deep - there is a sense they may be forced to leave.

A look behind the scenes reveals another frustrating story. Parada France is a charity organization that works as liason between Hanul and the state. However their funds have run out. Without the constant and intense involvement of Parada, the Roma of Hanul have no voice to speak up on their behalf. The Parada workers, though exhausted, are emotionally invested in Hanul after many years of involvement with the residents and continue their support, running on nerves as funds have run dry - but they too have families of their own to feed and will soon have to find new jobs. Time is running out for them too, as well as the people they have worked so hard to protect. Its very frustrating and emotionally draining for all.
Support is urgently needed by the journalistic community world wide.

In Italy early in the Spring the Italian government forced thousands of Romas to relocate. Hanul is only 156 in number - they have lived there in peace with the community for ten years and have complied with every rule for sanitation and keeping their numbers in check. This is their home.

UrgentIf you have any contacts in the media please let them know about the Roma of Hanul. This week is critical - the sit-in begins Monday - and the story behind the scenes only heightens the drama for everyone involved.

To the Press: Please, Contact Coralie of Parada Organization
Coralie Guillot - 06 24 88 60 75 contactparada@gmail.com
Saimir Mile - 06 68 10 72 27
lavoixdesrroms@gmail.com

The Roma of Hanul

2010-07-04T09:41:00.000-07:00

ADDENDUM This article was published May 21.

On July 6, 2010 Policemen in uniform evicted by force the inhabitants of Hanul and their supporters then immediately destroyed the camp with 3 bulldozers.

Housed under a bridge on Highway A86 in Saint-Denis, and virtually surrounded by the railroad, Hanul is one of the oldest Roma settlements in France. The first arrivals of Hanul were Romanian Roma and have occupied the land since 2000. Their living conditions are not optimal, sometimes crowding many family members into tiny huts made from recycled materials such as metal, old doors and caravans. But comfort is not their primary concern - what they want is to stay: Life in Romania was much much worse.

Although they are full citizens of the district of Saint-Denis they are denied access to employment and so, to make their money, are forced to rummage through garbage for scrap to sell. If they cannot make enough money selling scrap and dare to beg for extra money, they will be arrested. Begging is illegal. An agreement signed with the municipality of Saint - Denis in 2003 has been respected by its' people. Even so, at the state and regional level there is an absence of policy to implement integration and so the residents are veritably 'stuck'
However, for the past ten years, compared to others in the same region, it can be said that the Hanul residents have experienced a relatively stable environment, safe from the threat of expulsion. And as a result, the children are educated.

Associations such as PARADA FRANCE and Voice of Roma regularly work with families to improve their living conditions - providing medical, academic support, cultural and artistic activities.
Maintaining the slum in the state is far from a solution, but an eviction would only shift the problem and destroy the school curriculum of 23 schoolchildren, who would be forced to join the 6000-7000 Roma children who are not educated in France - a state of illiteracy literally created by the State.

An evacuation of the inhabitants of Hanul from their huts would place the residents in a precarious situation - with the loss of their property comes the constant fear of deportation and fear of police violence.The consequences are particularly serious for children who would be forced to drop out of school and failure of medical treatment.

Nobody wishes to see slums in Saint-Denis, however if the price is eviction without alternative accommodation for their residents, they would then be forced to settle under more precarious and dangerous locales.
Please contact your local media and ask that coverage of this stories begins.

Piquante La Chunga!

2010-06-18T10:41:00.000-07:00

DON POHREN, from his writing: "System of Artist Commercialization"

LA CHUNGA is a distressing example...
She was magnificent!!!
She knew no footwork, and consequently danced barefoot.
Her costumes were simple gypsy skirts and blouses.
She did not dance by arrangements, but improvised as her moods demanded.

Her outstanding assets .... her naivete, her complete abandonment to her duende and above all her naturalness.

There were pressures on her and her manager at the time, propagated by envious artists, and businessmen mistakenly attempting to increase her commerciality...

Yves Leresche Photography

2010-06-17T17:20:00.000-07:00

Yves Leresche : Roma Realities: Website

KESAJ TCHAVE,

2010-06-17T11:33:00.000-07:00

Heaven For The Eyes
Alexandre Romanes

« It's not just a pleasure to see Kesaj Tchave, it's more like something of a shock, because everything they do is beautiful. There's such a crazy rhythm to their display that one wonders how long they can keep it up - a remarkably long time, in fact! The show they put on is long, yet one doesn't get bored even for a second. They are the perfect remedy for the greyness and sadness of the world. Once you've seen them, you feel as if you've fallen in love, and no longer want to leave them. Everyone should go and see them - the world would be a better place for it ! »

Alexandre Romanes

KESAJ TCHAVÉ
is above all a human story, a story about young Roms wishing to share their spontaneity and enthusiasm through music, song and dance. The result is an infectious mix of gypsy music at its most raw.

The story of the group began in 2000 in the Roma slums of Kezmarok, Slovakia, on the initiative of Ivan Akimov, a professional musician, and Helena Akimova, a street worker. The group was originally created to serve as a platform aimed at helping young underprivileged Roms through music and dance. Call it the magic of the fairy Kesaj (a gypsy fairy who preaches that to receive love, you first have to be able to give it to others), or simply fate - the youthful spirit, generosity and the obvious joy that emanates from the group while on stage transforms each of their shows into a rare and unique moment. This is what allowed the group to rapidly gain a large following, firstly in Slovakia, then in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Switzerland and France, and the list goes on and on.
Their success is naturally also the result of relentless work and dedication. The professional musicians of Kesaj Tchavé endlessly help the young people, ensuring that their creativity is both encouraged and valued, and enabling them to achieve excellent standards in terms of tone, form and sound. Their custom-built repertoire includes the young people’s favourite songs and current Slovakian hits, as well as traditional songs. Their songs, full of ardour, are accompanied by a multitude of instruments – the balalaika, guitar, accordion and violin, and guest performers also perform with the group on a regular basis. What’s more, to offer a truly authentic experience of gypsy music, Kesaj Tchavé are not just singers – they also dance, and present a wonderful and unique combination of traditional and modern styles. The result is a breathtakingly colourful show full of energy, joy and life.
WWW.YEPCE.FR/KESAJ
MORE VIDEOS on WWW.YEPCE.FR/KESAJ !

Read more: http://www.myspace.com/kesajtchave#ixzz0r8X5ST5b

Dellal's Tales of a Gypsy Caravan: Five Years After

2010-06-15T17:12:00.000-07:00

JASMINE DELLAL

Five years after Jasmine Dellal's amazing film Tales of a Gypsy Caravan debuted, she returns to Romania to counter Roma prejudice with her film. As it turns out it was highly effective in building Roma pride, also.
For every one thing of beauty that is created - two negative things are destroyed.
Consider the following quotes from young Romanian students, some of them Roma, who saw the film:

It was wonderful. Let’s tell them we are people too!
- Amina R, Roma pupil

I was very glad. I want to be the best Gypsy ever.
- Carlitos N, Roma pupil

Alone, as one person, you can’t do much to change the situation, but together with someone else, projects like this one could be launched to show the values and traditions of Rroma.
- Andrada P, Romanian student

I was stunned. I didn’t expect that a film would change my opinion about Roma, but it did. The film should be screened more often, to show the other side of Roma.
- Ana C, Romanian student

The film was awesome. For sure it has changed my opinion about Roma. I will tell many people about this film. For sure it will change their opinion about Roma.
- Silvia U, Romanian student

It was a wonderful experience (entertaining and all that) but foremost educational. We could make people understand that the Roma are people too, for God’s sake!
- Diana P, Romanian student

I would have been so proud if I were a Gypsy! ☺
- Mihaela K, Bulgarian visual artist

It was interesting. Let us convince people that we are honest. - Larisa Z, Roma pupil

Read more quotes as well as Jasmine's own thoughts about the screening project
Here: Jasmine Dellal: http://vimeo.com/6438606
When the Road Bends: Tales of a Gypsy Caravan from Jasmine Dellal, Little Dust on Vimeo.

GRANDMOTHER

2010-06-08T20:11:00.001-07:00

Martina's grandmother is explaining her how Roma used to live

while she is teaching her how to make a bread.

Grandmother from DZMP on Vimeo.

Doina by Fanfara Vagabontu

2010-06-04T06:43:00.000-07:00

Miloud Oukili: A Wise Beautiful Clown

2010-06-04T06:36:00.000-07:00

Miloud Oukili paints a smile on the faces of children that have already cried too much in their lives. He teaches circus skills to the street children of Bucharest. His way of getting them off of drugs and reintegrating them into society. The children live underground, under the streets - in the sewers, the streets...Miloud: "In our human pyramids the strongest of all carries the misery of the weakest one. On the streets it is exactly the other way round. There, the weakest of all must carry the strongest one."

Miloud was awarded the Unicef prize for his work. But more than awards, active help is needed, so that the pyramid of hope for the children of Bucharest does not collapse. Parada which originated in Bucharest is now also helping Romani people in France, and is also having an impact in Italy.
“Life is hard and so is the circus," said Miloud Oukili. “If you are able to attain success in the circus, you will find your way through the difficulties of life as well... The circus is a way out of their misery. They are tempted to try it and find friends in this circus world. They are still children and children must play. In the circus they can make up for their lost playing time – for at least a little.”
Here is a video clip of the film PARADA that dramatizes Miloud's story. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBwXAn1DBX8

Laura Halilovic Doc

2009-07-16T07:57:00.000-07:00

Laura Halilovic's film Me, My Family and Woody Allen won the UCCA Prize 2009 at the Bellaria Film Festival in Italy. Described by judges as "a soft, at times ironic, but always direct way the film is her own story, that of her family, and the the difficult conditions of Gypsies in Italy." The UCCA Prize is awarded to the top two documentaries at the festival, and the prize-winning films receive the opportunity to be screened in at least 20 Italian cities.

Halilovic wants viewers to become acquainted with her family, friends, and all who have stood by her over the years. She even gives voice to those who do not approve of her family's presence in the neighborhood. Using her family's story, Halilovic provides a view of a culture still unknown to many.

Laura Halilovic wanted to become a director since the age of nine, and as a child she told her parents that she wanted to become Woody Allen.

EXCERPT: Jan Yoors; The Gypsies

2009-01-30T09:06:00.001-08:00

"The Gypsies" by Jan Yoors tells the story of the author who ran away from his privileged and cultured Belgian family to join a Kumpagnia of traveling Gypsies.

When I read this book I am aware that I hold in my hands an entire world and I have read it so many times that my copy is falling apart for all of my love. Many passages are highlighted and in the margins I have added stars and exclamation points! The pages are no longer affixed to the binding and some of them fall out when turned...I think I will order a new copy after posting a few excerpts from this remarkable book.
alison mackie

EXCERPT
The Gypsies
Jan Yoors

Little Mozol sat in the corner of the compartment facing forward and nearest the corridor. Her eyes were closed, her head leaning back, and she breathed gently. Her hands, demurely folded, rested in her lap and she looked touchingly young and pure. There was a slight fullness in the way the ample faded lilac skirt and the low cut yellow blouse were draped around the well rounded but still slender shape of her young body, which I had never noticed before. Somehow it was the first time I had ever paid any attention to her at all, even though we lived side by
side in the same kumpania. In her colorful if ragged and faded dress she struck me incongrously as a tender Gypsy Madonna, as seen in a dream.

She sat squeezed in by a generous-looking, middle aged woman, who could have been a small shopkeeper's wife. She kept staring with pity at Mozol and alternately delivered heated, disapproving comments to Tshaya who sat squarely opposite, patient and unconcerned. With insistent Romany courtesy Tshaya gave her seat to Bidshika and joined us outside in the corridor to smoke an elegant, gold tipped Turkish cigarette she had begged from one of our fellow passengers. Once in a while I looked in our compartment, finding it hard to resist staring at sweet little Mozol. Both she and Bidshika sat back with their eyes closed, obviously to avoid conversation with the Gaje. They had not moved in more than half an hour.

Then, with her eyes still shut, Mozol gently but persistently started scratching herself. At first with great modesty and restraint she rubbed her knee through the many ample skirts; then after a pause she scratched the back of her slender neck; then again, reaching inside the
loose fitting blouse, she scratched her bare right shoulder. When the middle aged woman sitting next to her moved away, apprehensive about the scratching, I began to understand. After a period of more subdued scratching, the woman, by now purple faced and angry, finally got up, cast a last look at the little Gypsy girl, and left her seat, taking her luggage with her. She didn't return.

We all sat merrily together . The suggestive scratching had ceased and there were no Gaje left among us. Not suspecting the ruse, they had fled before the implications of vermin.

Jan Yoors
The Gypsies

---------------

The members of the bride's family kissed her, and they wept together as they symbolically unbraided her hair. They put a white satin shift-like dress over the red one she was wearing on this day - the one exception to the rule that red was never worn by an honest Gypsy woman. A group of playful young relatives of both the groom and the bride had gathered in the open space between the wagons hiding the two protagonists in their midst. They were going to enact a scene of abduction. For, even though the parents had agreed upon the marriage and paid the bridal price and the union had been celebrated with a festive meal, the bride still had to surrender to her new husband.
The bride's champions, all unmarried youths, linking arms, stood as a protective wall before her. In the descending darkness there were some good humored exuberant skirmishes, until the groom's side either forced its way through the barrier or tricked the others to make it possible for the groom to kidnap his bride. Paprika screamed and wept and violently thrashed her head from side to side. Unalarmed, Yayal took her away and they disappeared in the night. Fifika also fought with violence. She whimpered and tore her hair. But by temperament she was less wild than her new sister-in-law.
A short distance away near Butsulo's wagon a similar scene was presumably taking place, but he harsh piercing lament we heard from that direction hardly sounded like Tsuritsa acting out the tragicomedy ordained by the tradition of the Lowara...When we approached the spot, we witnessed a wild free-for-all that nobody could have anticipated.In the half-dark a handful of young men were trying to disentangle three youths fighting in a blind frenzy.
We were told that Tsinoro's son had half heartedly pretended to abduct the bride, who appeared more willing to go than was proper for a virgin. She had sighed to convey alarm, but those present claimed it was almost a sigh of pleasure. Upon which her younger brother, Fonso, took offense, deeply resenting the dishonor brought by her on their family. He had seized a horsewhip - some said he had carried it with him all along - and thrashed her. The groom and his brother had vainly tried to protect her, but nonetheless she had been marked on the face and hands. She sobbed hysterically.
The Rom went back to the inn and drank the rest of the night.
The following morning, after the display of the bridal bed linen, the mother-in-law assisted the bride in knotting her kerchief after the fashion of the married women. She would never again be without it.

Malicious gossip would have it that so and so had taken a pigeon along on her bridal night; for it was necessary that there should be blood for all to see as proof of virginity.

As there had been no wooing, so there would be no honeymoon. After their marriage the groom's life went on much as before, except that he mingled more with the married men and less with the boys. He remained within his family and with the kumpania in which he had grown up. Whereas in this way the men were all related by kinship ties, a bride left her group to join her husband's, with the result that the married women were all strangers to the group into which they had been brought by marriage. The new bride was taken in charge by her mother-in-law and by her sisters-in-law who had gone through the same experience before her. Some girls said, with uncharacteristic pessimism, that Tsuritsa's marriage only meant "a new set of harness sores."
Jan Yoors
The Gypsies
-----------------------------------

His few personal belongings had been burned. The Gypsies did not believe in keeping anything that had in any way been connected with a deceased person.
At the time the coffin had been ordered from the village carpenter, the Rom had taken the measure for it with a length of "Romany String" This was a narrow piece of cloth, roughly one to one and a half inches wide, ripped lengthwise froma piece of flowery cotton and left unhemmed. The Rom had insisted on taking the measure in their own traditional way, over the protest of the carpenter who had brought his own tape measure in centimeters. Afterward the long, homemade ribbon was cut into short pieces three to six inches long. Each was tied individually in a simple knot. These were possessed of great magical potency and were given to close relatives of the deceased. These bits of magical ribbon were called mulengi dori, or dead man's string. ....
Jan Yoors
The Gypsies

Flamenco A Personal Journey

2008-11-17T14:52:00.000-08:00

Film: Flamenco A Personal Journey offers a look at Gypsy flamenco in Andalusia.
Tao Ruspoli, the film's maker, took up guitar as a teenager and it was not long before he found himself in Andalusia deepening his understanding of life through Flamenco. This film gem grew out of personal experiences during this time.
In the film we meet Tao's Gypsy friends. Charming, expressive and generous they share genuine feelings, opening their hearts to the camera, sharing life views that center around Flamenco ... and so this film not only journeys into Andalusia but takes also a detour into the Gypsy heart of Flamenco - and it is this detour that makes Ruspoli's film unique...
The music in the film is as wonderful as the conversations.

Gypsy Music, Train Stop in Hungary

2008-10-14T17:45:00.000-07:00

Some passing thoughts about Gypsy music.
Because Gypsies are without a country to call their own, they are well versed in transforming the music of their host country and making it their own.
When one is transforming an element, one is at the same time creating a secondary energy. In transforming music, the Gypsy musician is imprinting the trademark of Gypsy soul into the sounds...creating Gypsy energy.
The ability to create sensation in the listener's heart is key to Gypsy music.
Of course, All music is essentially about creating sensation. But Gypsy music, more so. Otherwise, there is no point.
And so, the measure of a Gypsy musician's ability is gauged by one's ability to make the listener weep, laugh, to shout outloud with arms waving high. Technical ability is important, but with out the ability to create sensation, meaningless.

From Gatlif's Latcho Drom...A Train Stop in Hungary...
If you want music, pay the musician!
How well the little boy knows the truth of this old saying.

Miss Roma International Pagaents

2008-09-19T06:10:00.000-07:00

The first Miss Roma International was held in Sofia, Monday, Jan. 15, 2007
and was protested in Macedonia by the Serbian Roma Women Network and the International Roma Women's Network. Letters of protest against Miss Roma International can be read online, here and another, here.
Apparently the protest, although raising awareness, did not hinder a second Miss Roma International contest and from 12 girls (Croatia, Monte Negro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Albania and Macedonia) a new Roma beauty Queen was chosen.- The 2008 pagaent is documented here.

MURO SHAVO

2008-08-24T10:49:00.000-07:00

TERNIPE's Muro Shavo -

The vocalist of Ternipe sings with a muscular and graceful lilt;

a joyous delivery that reflects the pure and simple love of a

father for his son, and a son for his father.

My very good friend Marion Berlinger contacted an organisation in Vienna (www.romano-centro.org), who forwarded the German translation of the song's text (from Romanes) to her from the University of Graz. The song was then translated from German into English. Thank you Marion Berlinger for working with UniGraz in this beautiful song's translation into English.

Muro Shavo: My Son (Lad)
English Translation

My heart is thrilled, oh God, when he talks

With his hands he shows

Beautiful you are, my son (lad), you are my elation

I kiss your heart

Aj lala la la la ....

When I look at him, I sing a tune

A lad is he, oh I shall die*

He sings for me, dances for me, oh I must die* for him

Oh, help him, Gods!

Aj lala la la la

So, Kiki, thump it as I show you,

As I show you

Look, father, how I dance and thump my knee

To give delight to you

Aj lala la la la

So, Kiki, thump as I show you,

As I show you

Just look, father, how I dance, thump with my knee

To give pleasure to you

Aj lala la la la

TERNIPE.RO

Original in Romanes:

Muro šavo

Muro ilo lošarel, kana, Devla, duma del.
Le vastenca sikhavel (hop hop).
Šukar san tu, muro šavo, tu san muro putjaripo.
Čumidau tjo iloro.

(Brega pita) ha-ha ...
Kana pe leste dikhav, gili leske me phenav.
Oi si šavo, te merau (hop hop hop).
Vorbil mange, khelel mange, si te merau pala leste.
Aj, Devlale, žutin le.

(Giabo, hop hop)…

Kade, Kiki, kade malav, sar me tuke sikhavav,
sar me tuke sikhavav (Ji ha..ha he)
Dikh čak, tata, sar khelav, le čangasa malavav,
tuke voja me kerav.

Da..da..lala (tighidipodip lalalagalop)
(Sava lavo) Da da da..alalla

Kade, Kiki, kade malav, sar me tuke sikhavav,
sar me tuke sikhavav (Ji ha..ha he)
Dikh čak, tata, sar khelav, le čangasa malavav,
tuke voja me kerav.

(Sava lavo) ho, ho

Seguiriya

2008-07-31T10:49:00.000-07:00

Lorca wrote: The Gypsy Seguiriya starts with a terrible shout - a shout that divides the scenery in two equal hemispheres...next the voice stops to let in an impressive silence. The sequiriya burns the throat and the tongue of those who sing it, and is used as a tonic to express fury.

Carpeta Hermano Chico Farruquito

2008-06-18T17:25:00.000-07:00

Flamenco Puro is not something which can be taught in music or dance school. It is something other; in the blood. Only Gypsy performers, steeped in tradition, can truly be considered Flamenco Puro. From birth, they are surrounded by dancers, singers and guitarists. In this way they sharpen their skill and deepen their Flamenco sensibilities. They live, think, feel and dream Flamenco...From a very early age they are aware that true artistry is not only to do with skill, but also in transmitting unique elements of their personality through their craft...

Nicolas Reyes: "There is a Gypsy legend which says that, when an old Gypsy singer or guitarist understands that he is going to die, he will sing or play for a pregnant woman. Then, the first child who is born will get his talent. When we were children, we were filled with wonder while watching our fathers and uncles playing, singing and having fun together all night long. We wanted to do the same..."

LJILJANA BUTTLER

2008-05-24T12:16:00.000-07:00

Ljiljana Buttler

MOTHER OF GYPSY SOUL

14 December 1944 — 26 April 2010

Ljiljana Buttler was a singer born in former Yugoslavia ~
daughter of a Croatian singer and a Gypsy accordionist.

TELEGRAPH OBIT

MadoNNa

2008-05-21T05:26:00.000-07:00

Every twenty five or fifty years Gypsy music becomes fashionable.
Again...
And when Madonna takes an interest in Gypsy music it would seem to follow that many more
in America will follow suit.
See: Vadim Kolpakov's interesting content rich website.

Kolpakov ensemble, Madonna and Eugene Hutz of Gogol Bordello

THE GYPSY CHRONICLES BLOG

Feb 23 International Memorial, Embassy of Hungary, Just The Wind

TAMAS REVESZ: Alsószentmárton Revisited

EUGENE HUTZ Video Manifesto on Globalization

DESERVE DIGNITY: Zoe Zimmer, Slovakia Road Trip, Hans Zimmer, Gypsy Music

VIKTORIA MOHACSI

More on Viktória Mohácsi: ERRC,. FOREIGNPOLICY.COM

ROMANI WOMEN, HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVISM and FEMINISM

ENISA EMINOVA

GYPSY SEXUALITY

Tamas Demeny on Menyhert Lakatos: The Making of Self

This writing on Smokey Pictures by Menyhert Lakatos is an excerpt from Tamas Demeny's essay

1926 - 2007

LESLIE HAWKE: Education is the way forward

JANA HORVATHOVA

PROJET DOSTA!

Stand up, Speak up

JAN YOORS: Paramitsha

ERIKA VARGA: ROMANI DESIGN

Shutka

Red Catherine Johns

My father taught me to tell the truth. He said that people don't believe us anyway so might as well tell the truth.

~ Red Catherine Johns

Red Catherine Johns is a Romani Gypsy woman who lives on 168 acres in in the Mallee of South Australia with 100 others - but she is the only human. Animals are in Red's bones, blood, soul and heart, the "glue that holds the magic together."

12 years ago she wrote a book about her experiences, has another on the way (Note to literary agents: Give Red a look!) There are two films about her, one is a short student film called: A Romany Encounter .

And there is another film about Red called ON THE DROM.

LIFT YOUR PENS

In a recent letter a direct appeal was made to the EU by a group of Bulgarian Roma urging the Commission to rethink its current approach. The letter provides insight into the existing EU approach and evidence of political manipulations - referring to OLAF reports and fraudulent misuse of funds.

*Link to letter

More people from other EU member states are invited to send letters to the Commission.

KERIEVA

SARAH BEDAK

JEANETTE GREGORI

MONA MANOUCHE

Manouche artist Juliana Metbach also known as Mona Manouche was born into a large circus family that travelled. She was an acrobat contortionist.

"I loved drawing, but lacked the equipment and so I drew with anything: in the sawdust of the circus on the panes of the caravan when it was very cold at night because there was no heating... Despite the cold on my fingers and my nails, my thirst to draw did not stop.

All of Mona's paintings are for sale. Contact Mona Facebook

VERA BILA: Black and White in Colour

Film: Black and White in Colour

Review:

Amoun Sleem

Jarmila Vaňová

Roma, Education & Rights

Hanul Bulldozed

Today the oldest Roma camp in France disappeared.

Policemen in uniform evicted by force the inhabitants of Hanul and their supporters then immediately destroyed the camp with 3 bulldozers.

The Roma of Hanul and their supporters are before the mayor of St-Denis requesting to find a solution for emergency shelter

HANUL

The Roma of Hanul

Piquante La Chunga!

Yves Leresche Photography

KESAJ TCHAVE,

Dellal's Tales of a Gypsy Caravan: Five Years After

GRANDMOTHER

Doina by Fanfara Vagabontu

Miloud Oukili: A Wise Beautiful Clown

Laura Halilovic Doc

EXCERPT: Jan Yoors; The Gypsies

Flamenco A Personal Journey

Gypsy Music, Train Stop in Hungary

Miss Roma International Pagaents

MURO SHAVO

Seguiriya

Carpeta Hermano Chico Farruquito

LJILJANA BUTTLER

MadoNNa

The Roma of Hanul and their supporters are before the mayor of St-Denis requesting
to find a solution for emergency shelter