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1. Under the Radar: The Roma People of Wichita, Kansas Lou Saadi, Ph.D.
Kansas
NAPHSIS Annual Meeting, 2007
Salt Lake City, Utah
2. The Flag of the Romani People
3. Romani People Typically called Roma, or Gypsies
Called Gypsies from the mistaken idea they originated in Egypt when actually genetic evidence places Roma ancestors in India
Semi-nomadic lifestyle (remember the movies??) begun around 1050 AD due to persecution; now Roma have more permanent residences
Discrimination, persecution and segregation continued even until modern times1970s
4. Demographics Over 8 to 10 million Romani people in the world
Approximately 1 million in the US
Typically marry at a young age, most in the US are Catholic, list race as White, ethnicity as Romanian or Egyptian; education lower than 8th grade; young people start work early in life
Occupations listed as homemaker, laborer, car salesman, etc.
Divided into several regions within the country
Each region has a King as leader
Usually function with cash economy and avoids all forms of documentation or identity
5. Vital Records meets Roma Federal requirements that all citizens must show proof of identity before acquiring Medicaid, Medicare and other social services caused the Roma leadership in Wichita to request assistance.
Individuals report all children were born at home---NOT.
Little written documentation available.
6. Investigations Common names used by familiestypically about 5 last names shared among all
OVS staff began interviews and acquiring names of children/adults needing certs
Mothers would list one name and signature would be another
Often give addresses for vacant lots as home address
Billing issues abound
One element always accurate: Date of birth
7. Voila` All recent births were captured by EBC.
Based on dates of births and common names, family identities were built and birth records pulled.
Most were documented this way. Some needed delayed birth process using church or school records,
All appreciative for OVS assistance.
8. The Bottom line: The Vital Records mantra:
We get you coming and going held true, even with those under the radar.