Combating prejudice with pride

Combating prejudice with pride

Disgusted by the racist attack on Romany migrants in Belfast earlier this week? What better reason to defy the racists by going out and celebrating Gypsy and Traveller culture over the weekend, writes Jake Bowers

When racist thugs used bricks and bottles to drive more than 100 Romanian Romanies from their homes in Belfast in a wave of attacks earlier this week, you’d be forgiven for feeling a mixture of anger and despair. But the events in Belfast re-inforce the fact that ignorance can only be fought with facts and that hatred is best tackled by quiet, determined pride.

So if you are upset by images of Romany families carrying possessions in bundled blankets, and a mother clutching her 5-day-old baby as they are sent packing by a racist mob, there’s no better reason to go out and enjoy the history and culture of Gypsy and Traveller people this weekend. Like last weekend, this weekend provides opportunities wherever you are in England. On June 20th the following events will be taking place:

• In the East Midlands, History Month Celebrations will be held at the Arkwright Centre in Chesterfield, where there will be cooking, crafts, play, cultural materials, DVDs and workshops. At: The Arkwright Centre, Hardwick Drive, Arkwright Town, Chesterfield, Derbyshire S445BS

• In South London , the Lewisham Irish Community Centre will be holding a music event at: Lewisham Irish Centre, 2a Davenport Road SE6

• In East London, Akadamia Pstryk will be launching their street exhibition, giant camera obscura, horse & caravan and free books made by Romany young people at: Broadway, Stratford, E15 1NN (outside Stratford shopping centre), outdoors between

• In the North West, a Gypsy Roma Traveller and Showman cultural event will celebrate the rich history, culture and heritage of the our communities in Salford and Manchester, at: The Irish World Heritage Centre, 10 Queens Road, Manchester, M8 8UF

• In the South East, Surrey Gypsy and Traveller communities will be celebrating Gypsy and Traveller culture at the Gypsy and Traveller History Day. This free event features wagons, horses, music, history and photos, flowers, peg making, and food. With music by Ambrose Cooper and food by Hilda Brazil. There will also be an archive of photos and Derby memorabilia, with the Romany & Traveller Family History Society and other researchers helping people trace their connections.Go to: Bourne Hall, Spring Street, Ewell, KT17 1UF, from 10.30am until 5.00p

• In the South West, a Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Skills Event will be held at the Christchurch School and Key Centre, Feltham Lane, Frome, Somerset BA11 5AJ


On June 21th the following events will be taking place:
• In the East Midlands, Gypsy storyteller Sandy Townsley will tell an amazing story at: the Spirit of the Peaks, Gothic Wharf, Cromford Mill near Matlock, DE4 3RQ at 3:00pm
• In the South East, a poster competition and scrapbook prize giving event with local traveller families will take place at: Primrose Hall, Ash Hill Road, Ash, Surrey, GU12 5DP