#russianroma

Alexander Ivanovich Baurov was not only a hero of the Soviet Union, he was a hero of the Roma people — in Russia, in Europe, and around the world.

Born into a Roma family in Saint Petersburg, Baurov defied every expectation the world placed on him. He was a musician. An engineer. A warrior. When the Nazis invaded, Baurov didn’t wait to be called — he volunteered for the front. He served as head of service in the 44th Armored Battalion and was wounded near Krasnoye Selo. He returned to the fight. He rose to command his own division. And he won.

He was decorated with the Order of the Red Star, the Order of the Battle Red Banner, and the Order of Alexander Nevsky — among the highest Soviet military honors. Poland awarded him the Cross of Valor. But his fight didn’t end in 1945.

After the war, Alexander Baurov helped design and launch the Soviet Union’s first space rockets — including Sputnik 1, the first satellite in human history.

While much of the world erased the Roma from their history books, Baurov reached the stars.

He is our pride. He is our resistance. He is our hero.

Let the world know his name.

Alexander Ivanovich Baurov

(1906–1972)

Oksana Marafioti is an Armenian-born American author and former classical pianist. She is best known for her memoir, “American Gypsy: A Memoir,” which details her experiences growing up in a Romani family and her journey from the Soviet Union to the United States. The book provides a unique and insightful look into Romani culture and the immigrant experience. Marafioti has also written essays and articles, contributing to a broader understanding of Romani life and identity.

Here is an excerpt from Oksana Marafioti’s memoir, “American Gypsy: A Memoir”:

“We used to sit around the fire and listen to stories. My grandfather’s stories were best. His favorites were of the Gypsy caravans that moved through Europe, spreading music and love wherever they went. ‘We are a people of the road,’ he said. ‘Our hearts beat with the rhythm of the wheels, and our souls soar with the songs of the wind.’”

This passage captures the essence of her cultural heritage and the oral traditions that are an important part of Romani life. The book is filled with rich descriptions of her family’s history and experiences, blending personal narrative with cultural commentary.