Under the Radar: The Roma People of Wichita, Kansas

Lou Saadi, Ph.D.

Kansas

NAPHSIS Annual Meeting, 2007

Salt Lake City, Utah

The Flag of the Romani People

Romani People

Typically called Roma, or GypsiesCalled 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 times—1970s

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

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.

Investigations

Common names used by families—typically 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 aboundOne element always accurate: Date of birth

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.

The Bottom line:

The Vital Records mantra:

“We get you coming and going” held true, even with those “under the radar”.