The Movement for Roma Emancipation in Hungary

In this conversation at the Review of Democracy, Angéla Kóczé introduces civil rights icon Ágnes Daróczi, and sketches her paths and the development of her consciousness as a Roma woman; covers the main facets of the movement of Roma emancipation in Hungary and the roles Daróczi has played in them; discusses why the nationality question has been so crucial in Daróczi’s understanding and how her agenda might be placed in transnational contexts; and reflects on the achievements and shortcomings of Hungary’s post-89 democracy and how she perceives the legacies of Daróczi.

Angéla Kóczé is an Assistant Professor of Romani Studies, Chair of the Romani Studies Program, and Academic Director of the Roma Graduate Preparation Program at the Central European University. She is also affiliated with the Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology of the CEU. Angéla Kóczé has authored and edited numerous scholarly publications and is the recipient of prestigious awards and fellowships. Her research focuses on the intersections of gender, ethnicity, and class as well as the social and legal inequalities faced by the Roma in various European counties. Her activities prominently include community engagement and policy making as well.

Ágnes Daróczi’s Hosszú az út előttem (The Long Road Before Me), edited by Angéla Kóczé, has been published by Magvető.