Celebrating GRT History Month: A New Era of Cultural Recognition in Wales

A Historic Launch in the metaverse

June marks Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller (GRT) History Month, a time dedicated to honoring the rich heritage and experiences of these communities. This year, Wales witnessed a groundbreaking event with the introduction of the Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller ‘Stopping Places’ in the metaverse, a pioneering virtual platform designed to highlight the narratives, contributions, and cultural significance of GRT communities. As a Welsh Romany Gypsy and one of the curators of this initiative, I reflect on the transformative journey of co-creation, technological advancement, and cultural reclamation that led to this moment.

A Space Created by the Community

The GRT section of the metaverse stands as the first of its kind in the UK, designed not just for the community but by its members. Collaborations among community members and educators fostered an environment of trust, allowing for the development of stories and resources that include poems, animations, and educational tools. Each interaction within the ‘Stopping Places’ area immerses users in a lived experience, enabling them to not only learn about history but to truly feel it through various mediums. This initiative emphasizes co-production as a fundamental commitment to justice and equity.

Utilizing the metaverse for Anti-Racist Education

Historically, technology has often marginalized GRT communities, but this initiative seeks to reclaim that narrative. The metaverse offers an engaging digital experience that accommodates various learning styles and enhances educational accessibility. During the launch event, participants explored a virtual GRT heritage trail, which features oral histories and chronicles the timeline of oppression and resilience, from the Egyptian Acts of the 1500s to contemporary issues like the Police, Crime, Courts and Sentencing Act of 2022.

What sets this resource apart is its ability to transform existing educational frameworks rather than merely adding GRT narratives to them. It confronts deficit narratives and promotes a deeper understanding of systemic racism and the resilience of GRT communities. This resource aligns with the Curriculum for Wales, ensuring that anti-racist education is integrated across all learning areas and embodies the principle of “nothing about us without us.”

A Moment of Cultural Empowerment

At the launch, I presented a new poem titled ‘This Ink is Ours!’ in a circle of peers, educators, and allies, giving voice to the stories of generations that have been silenced.

“Before I ever held a pen, I held a story in my bones.
Passed down in hushes, formed in the rhythms of the road.
My Granny never learned to write her name.
But she carried the stories just the same…”

This poem will be featured within the metaverse space, serving as a resource that encapsulates the emotions, identities, and political realities of GRT life in Wales. It also encourages young people from GRT backgrounds to contribute their own writings, fostering a culture of creativity and expression.

Integrating Our Narratives into the National Story

The launch signifies a pivotal shift in how Wales perceives its identity. Historically, the national narrative has predominantly reflected a singular perspective, often white and settled. However, the Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan introduces a more inclusive vision, where diverse histories coexist and enrich the overall narrative. The GRT metaverse space serves as a digital embodiment of this new perspective, affirming that GRT individuals are integral to the Welsh story, not merely peripheral figures.

As a curator, I aimed to create a process that promotes intergenerational learning. We blended traditional knowledge, including oral histories and cultural practices, with modern digital literacy and creative expression. The outcome is not just educational; it is liberating.

A Legacy of Growth and Collaboration

This launch is merely the beginning of an ongoing conversation and partnership. The GRT section of the metaverse will continue to evolve, incorporating new stories and contributions. Plans for teacher training sessions are underway, and workshops for young people will deepen their engagement with technology and cultural production. Our goal is to integrate this resource into initial teacher training and all anti-racist education across Wales. When educators understand the structural challenges faced by GRT learners, they can initiate the necessary changes within our communities.

A Call for Gratitude and Solidarity

I extend my heartfelt thanks to the elders who have preserved and passed down our stories, culture, and traditions, to the artists and poets who have celebrated our heritage, and to the educators who have shown the courage to listen and learn. This resource belongs to you; it is your space and your future!

To our allies, policymakers, educators, and fellow advocates for justice, we invite you to not only observe but to actively participate in this journey. Join our reflective circles and let these ‘Stopping Places’ be a gateway to transformation rather than just a digital diversion.

In the spirit of my poem, ‘This Ink is Ours!’ we collectively write our futures.

A Vision for Inclusive Education

The launch of the Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller Immersive Learning Area within the Anti-Racism metaverse is a significant milestone. For too long, these communities have faced marginalization and exclusion. Often overlooked in mainstream narratives, the rich histories and cultural identities of GRT peoples are vital to our collective understanding of identity, belonging, and justice.

This dedicated space provides a powerful platform to share stories of resilience, struggle, and invaluable contributions. It encourages educators and professionals to engage with these communities through empathy, respect, and truth.

Co-created with GRT individuals who generously shared their lived experiences of racism, this curriculum area serves as an essential tool for fostering anti-racist practices in classrooms and workplaces. Our hope is that it inspires deeper understanding, meaningful dialogue, and lasting change.

Yusuf Ibrahim
Vice Principal – Higher Education, Academic Studies, Foundation and Adult Learning
Cardiff and Vale College

Riaz Hassan
Head of Anti-racist Wales Action Plan Implementation Team
Equality and Human Rights Division
Communities and Social Justice
Welsh Government

This initiative exemplifies our commitment to placing communities at the forefront of anti-racist action in Wales, where every experience matters and every story is valued.

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