I think that knowing the past is necessary to live the future. If I do not know my roots, my places, my origins, I cannot have a just future, so I cannot create my person, my “self”.

Giulia Spinelli, activist;

In the very first years, the fascist regime showed a particular interest for the foreign Roma and Sinti, who represented a problem for the regime. So, the fascist regime decides, first of all, to resolve the presence of Roma and Sinti in the border regions.

Paola Trevisan, researcher at the University of Bolzano;

 This place will become a place of Roma and Sinti dignity, because we have not asked for money from the institutions, from the politicians who do not really recognize the Samurdaripen of Roma and Sinti. This is a place of dignity for our people because it is civil society, friends of the Roma and Sinti who have provided through a crowd founding the means to build this monument that gives dignity to our people, not only in Italy, but also all over the world.

Alexian Santino Spinelli activist, artist and scholar, Them Romanò Association;

Europe can be made, if we are all united, if the races are a power, a priority, and not a reason for division, to a Europe of the peoples who are united and who, like us, build bridges between diverse ethnic groups.

Mario Pupillo, Mayor of Lanciano;

Our diversity has sought to be erased by integration. Many of us are ashamed to say: We are Roma! They are ashamed of their culture. Culture is the way of living, the way of being, thinking, seeing life, death. And family. It is not just a painting, or a song. It’s the way you are inside.

Dijana Pavlović, activist, The European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture;

For all the youngsters, especially from the Roma communities, it is important to know their history, what has happened, even if it is a very cruel and sad history, because from that history they can create a better future for themselves, but also for the mainstream society. This way they will be able to live integrated, in social cohesion, respecting each other.

Graziano Halilović, activist, Romà Onlus;

 We can say that media is at the same time cause and consequence of the widespread antigypsyism, an antigypsyism that has become socially acceptable, part of our value system. The situation during the Fascist era and today is, of course, different, but there are very strong elements of continuity. The mechanism and the ways in which we speak about Roma and Sinti in the media, can be one of them. In the media, it is possible to say anything about Roma and Sinti.

Stefano Pasta, journalist;

A large problem in Italy is the lack of work. They do not give you work if they know that you are Roma. The few who get hired by some companies hide their Roma identity.

Giulia di Rocco activist, Amici di Zefferino and Romanì Kriss;

AUSCHWITZ
by Alexian Santino Spinelli

Auschwitz
Muj shukho
Jakha kale
Wust shurde.
Kwite.
Jilo cindo
Bi dox
Bi lav
Nikht rovibe.