To mark the 50th year anniversary Roma activists from different countries across the world have been brought together by lifelong campaigner & co-founder of the First World Romani Congress Grattan Puxon to create a diverse online programme. I decided to catch up with Grattan to find out more about what we can expect from this year’s online congress, what symbolism we gained from the first one and his own personal vision for a more democratic future. This episode also featuring music from Sweedish Romani Traveller Lindy Larsson performing a rendition of the Roma national anthem 'Gelem Gelem'.

The 8th April 2021 will mark 50 years since the 1971 founding event in London. It was a crucial point in the history of the Romani people and is now seen as the beginning of the worldwide Romani emancipation movement. It started a political fight for equality, mobilised through Romani organisations, and the unifying flag and anthem. You are invited to join a series of diverse online events that will offer the opportunity to connect communities across the globe to celebrate Romani history and culture but also critically reflect on the ongoing challenges that are still faced by Romani people worldwide. For more information about the congress programme and access the live-streamed visit: www.romanistan.com

RomaTrials 2nd Roma Biennial WE ARE HERE! will also launch on April 8th! It's an initiative featuring 50 artworks by artists that will look at five different aspects of BEING HERE exploring Romani history and the current reality over the next seven months. Visit www.roma-biennale.com where you will be able to find out more about the artists and view their work.

Host: Lisa Smith
Guest: Grattan Puxon
Featuring music from: Lindy Larsson
Artwork: Elijah Vardo
Animator: Marius Roth
Music: Aroma Records
(c) cover motive: Lisa Smith © Elijah Vardo 2021
Smiths Kushti Podcast is supported by RomaTrial

Smiths Kushti Podcast

#4: 50 years after the First World Romani Congress

The Instrumental for my in-progress song Indian Diaspora

Indian Diaspora (Protosong)

This is Smith's Kushti Podcast bringing you current news and views from Germany and across Europe. This series hosted by journalist Lisa Smith will explore and connect Romani history, politics and identity with current news and issues through in-depth discussions, interviews and opinions.

New tracks tagged #opreroma