international roma day

Little is it known that April 8 is a day with a name.

What is there to celebrate, you know?

'Women?'

No, you are late with that.

'Mothers?'

No, it's too early for that. April 8 is your neighbors' day.

'What, my neighbors?'

Yes, it is the day of that Roma family living next to you that you like to, as you say, keep an eye on.

'Hey, I'm not a racist! As a matter of fact, I happen to like them. They are very nice people, despite being gypsies.'

Such a discussion is all too familiar, even in the classroom. It is so due to a well-known popular truth, namely that 'Gypsies are all criminals.' The lesser known truth, however, is that, according to the European Roma Rights Center, the Roma remain the most deprived ethnic group in Europe even today. 

Nevertheless, this day is not about blame, nor is it about rage, we need to explain to our students. It is about celebration. It is about people who, transcending the usual rhetoric of victimization or violence, decided to walk another path, to be the change that helps gypsies and 'whites' live together. This day is about people like László Bogdán, Mayor of Cserdi, Hungary.

Located in Southern Hungary, Cserdi is a small town of 400 people, with a clear Roma majority. Until 2005 the town was known for its high criminality, having a bad reputation in the region. The election of Bogdán as the first gypsy mayor, however, brought a drastic change. Since then Cserdi has become a model town, often referred to as 'the Cserdi Miracle', thanks to Mayor Bogdán, chosen as 'Man of the Year' in 2013. He set up a bio-farm, offered meaningful work for gypsies and non-gypsies alike, educated the youth about the realities of prison life and the importance of education, and made his community accept itself. He flourished the town so much that last Christmas it was them, a small town of 400, that brought donations to the needy of the capital city.

photo: László Laufer

László Bogdán is a great leader for his community and for his country. However great he is, though, he is not exceptional. I am certain, you and your students are also surrounded by inspirational people that help realize the dream that we are united, that we are 'not gypsies but people', to quote Bogdán's other motto.

Let us find these people. Let us celebrate the International Roma Day together!