Recently I was asked to explain why and how I support HMD in Derby. Well that will be easy I thought, but I was wrong, an hour later I was still staring at a blank sheet of paper.

You see until I actually stopped to think about it, I thought I supported HMD because it allowed me to shock everyone by telling them that the British used to hang people for the crime of being a Gypsy or ship them to the Caribbean to be sold as slaves.

I though I supported HMD because it gave me the opportunity to make people aware of how Gypsy people have been persecuted, not just by the Nazis during WWII, when almost 90% of our population in Europe were murdered during the Holocaust, but by successive ruling bodies throughout history and right up to the present day.

Initially I suppose, I thought that Derby HMD was a tool to help me fight for justice and equality, but I’ve come to realise that what it really is, is a means of honouring the memory of those that have gone before us and a way of preserving the culture and heritage of those who remain. It’s about treasuring our minorities and celebrating their diversity.

I suppose what I’m trying to say is, it’s not about me supporting Derby HMD, it’s about Derby HMD supporting me.

I’m very proud to belong.