Our Story
Pride of Romany was established to safeguard and preserve the identity of British Romany people—an identity that has long been overlooked, misunderstood, and undervalued. Unlike many organizations, we are led by individuals with lived generational experience within our tribe the British Romanichal. We are not merely an organization; we are the caretakers of our ancestors' resilience, wisdom, and cultural legacy.
British Romany people or the Romanichal Gypsies have been integral to the nation's history. However, our identities have often been redefined by external perspectives. Terms like "Roma" and "Traveller" have replaced our identity, and now we are frequently categorized under the broad label "GRT" (Gypsy, Roma, Traveller). This process of assimilation has obscured our distinct cultural heritage and reduced the recognition of our history.
Throughout history, during periods of forced assimilation, our culture and history have been appropriated and misrepresented—often without our input or consent. These attempts to assimilate or dilute our identity have resulted in a fragmented sense of self for many, complicating their connection to their heritage. This issue extends beyond terminology, reflecting a profound loss of cultural heritage, traditions, and the essence of our tribe.
Mission
To preserve and protect the rich British Romany heritage, including its traditions, customs, culture, craftsmanship, and language. We are focused on countering misinformation and stereotypes through education and advocacy. By documenting our history and supporting our cultural practices, we aim to foster a deeper understanding and ensure that our identity is recognized and respected.
Ethos
We are here for our people, by our people, with our people. Everything we do is meticulously researched and based on factual evidence. We actively engage with our community to ensure that our work accurately reflects their experiences and needs. Our people are tired of the lack of genuine representation, and we are committed to addressing this through our dedicated efforts.
As Charmaine Abdul Karim, one of our founding directors, observed, “As we were putting Pride of Romany together in our infancy, it became very apparent to me that the lack of representation of British Romanichal people is overwhelming. Frankly, there weren’t many like myself, Romanichals with lived generational experience. I found myself questioning how this can be considered inclusion when we are not genuinely included.” This insight highlights the essential need for authentic representation and leadership from within our community.
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Pride of Romany is devoted to celebrating and preserving our heritage for future generations. We invite everyone to join us in this vital work, ensuring that the rich heritage of the Romany and Romanichal people continues to thrive and be appreciated.