So That We, Too, Are Included

The authors of this academic study examine the historical process of the negotiations between active Roma and state authorities in an effort to promote the improvement of the social status of Romani communities in Czechoslovakia from the late 1940s to the late 1960s. A significant milestone that defines the time frame of the topic covered in this book is the actual foundation of the Gypsy-Roma Union, in 1968 in the Slovak part of the federation and in 1969 in the Czech one. By referencing the socio-political changes during the Prague Spring, which contributed to the establishment of the first officially recognized Romani organizations in Czechoslovakia, the collective monograph joins the commemoration of the 50 th anniversary of the events of 1968.

The book consists of two parts—the first comprises interpretive texts by individual scholars, the second features high-resolution colour reproductions of twelve selected documents from archives in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, which trace the Roma’s active efforts to negotiate with party and state authorities during the period 1949–1969, as well as their efforts to establish an organization that would unite and represent Czechoslovak Roma. The archival documents are accompanied by comprehensive historical commentaries by the co-authors. The book includes an index of names and places, as well as a list of illustrations. Detailed English summaries are provided for both the interpretive and documentary sections of the publication.

Authors: Helena Sadílková, Dušan Slačka, Milada Závodská

Published by the Museum of Romani Culture.