Romani Chronicles of COVID-19: Testimonies of Harm and Resilience

A ground-breaking book that chronicles the devastating impact of COVID-19 on Romani communities worldwide, featuring testimonies from NGO workers, street vendors, activists, scholars, health professionals, and creative writers. The book reveals how the pandemic has exacerbated Romani disenfranchisement and showcases the resilience and creativity with which Romanies have responded to the crisis.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 314 pages
Publication date: 14 July 2023
Publisher: Berghahn Books

A groundbreaking volume that brings together the testimonies of NGO workers, street vendors, activists, scholars, health professionals, and creative writers to chronicle the devastating impact of COVID-19 on Romani communities globally.

The contributors shed light on how the pandemic has further exacerbated Romani disenfranchisement, while also documenting the remarkable resilience and ingenuity with which Romanies have responded to the crisis. Through innovative textual formats and the inclusion of poignant personal reflections, memoirs, scholarly analyses, and diary excerpts, the volume offers a valuable roadmap for collaboration and dialogue during this global emergency.

This is the most comprehensive collection of Romani stories about the COVID crisis ever assembled. The contributions encompass memoirs, opinion essays, transcriptions of conversations or interviews, ethnographic analyses, and a captivating short story by Romani writer Iveta Kokyová, as well as pieces that blend elements of one or more of these genres or defy categorization altogether.

The book is organized into four sections, each exploring a different aspect of the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on Romani communities. The first section, "The Initial Impact," delves into the early days of the pandemic and the initial reactions of Romani communities around the world. Contributors share their experiences of fear, uncertainty, and isolation, as well as the challenges they faced in accessing essential services such as healthcare and food.

The second section, "Disenfranchisement and Marginalization," examines how the pandemic has exacerbated existing inequalities and discrimination faced by Romani communities. Contributors highlight the systemic barriers that prevent Romanies from accessing education, employment, and housing, and discuss the ways in which these barriers have been amplified by the crisis.

The third section, "Resilience and Adaptation," showcases the remarkable resilience and creativity with which Romanies have responded to the crisis. Contributors share stories of community organizing, mutual aid, and innovative solutions to the challenges they face. They also discuss the importance of cultural heritage and traditions in sustaining Romani communities during times of crisis.

The fourth section, "Looking Forward," explores the potential long-term impacts of the pandemic on Romani communities and the steps that can be taken to address them. Contributors offer insights into the challenges that lie ahead, including the potential for increased discrimination and marginalization, and propose strategies for building resilience and promoting social justice.

Throughout the volume, contributors use personal and intimate narratives to shed light on the experiences of Romani communities during the pandemic. They provide a nuanced and empathetic understanding of the challenges that Romanies face, and offer valuable insights into the ways in which they are navigating the crisis.

This book is a powerful testament to the resilience and creativity of Romani communities, and a call to action for all those who seek to promote social justice and equality. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the impact of COVID-19 on marginalized communities and the ways in which we can work together to build a more inclusive and equitable world.

ISBN-13: 9781800738935