Every now and again, a racist act captures the entire world. It becomes a trend, and the silent voices begin to rise. Yet racism is not a trend, and it’s not getting worse – this is the every day experience of Black people, and to only speak up when it’s ‘trendy’ is problematic.
So will you still be loud next week? Will you continue along your anti-racist journey when the hashtags fade?
It’s time for white folk to stop their performative activism and dig deeper. It’s time to stop, listen, learn, support and amplify Black voices, and for Australians posting about the issues in America, it’s time for a huge wake-up call. These issues are as deep as the ocean in your own backyard.
As Australians, we have a long, long road to travel when it comes to Indigenous reconciliation. Here’s a starting list of resources to amplify, support and learn from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
PSA: DO NOT go into the DM’s of any Black and Indigenous folk right now. It is not their duty to educate you. It is your duty to get educated – there are a myriad of resources available online. Reach out to me if you actively cannot find a starting point online – but do not burden Black folk. They’ve done the work, it’s now your turn.
Instagram accounts to follow
Small black businesses to support/ Black business amplification (on Instagram)
@barefootwandering.photography
You can also use Supply Nation, a national directory of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses. Encourage your work, university, friends and family to support Indigenous businesses.
Indigenous initiatives / organisations / movements to fund
Bridging the Gap – funding research into health and education to close the gap between indigenous and non-indigenous Aussies
North Australia Aboriginal Justice Agency – not-for-profit legal service, providing criminal and civil services to Aboriginal people in NT
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Alliance – an organisation that empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in Australia
Justice for Tanya Day– helping the family of Tanya Day, a Yorta Yorta woman who died in Victorian police custody due to mistreatment!!!!
Justice for Yuendumu: Inquiry on Police Shooting – Kumanjayi Walker was shot by police three times in his home in Yunedumu. The funds raised through this campaign will be used to pay for lawyers to travel to Yuendumu to facilitate an independent inquiry into the shooting.
Justice for Kumanjayi Walker – Kumanjayi Walker was shot in his home in Yunedumu. Funds raised go to lawyers to facilitate an independent inquiry!!!
Justice for David – fund to support family of David Dungay Junior, who ALSO died in jail due to mistreatment!!!!
National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations – the national peak body representing 143 Indigenous health services
First People’s Disability Network – a national organisation representing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability and their families
National Congress – a coordinating and unifying voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
SNAICC – the national non-government peak body in Australia representing the interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
The Healing Foundation – a national organisation that partners with communities to address the ongoing trauma caused by actions like the forced removal of children from their families
Indigenous Literacy Foundation – it gifts thousands of books to remote Indigenous communities and runs programs to inspire communities to tell and publish their own stories
Books to read to begin your anti-racist journey (Australia specific)
Welcome to Country by Marcia Langton
Talking to my Country by Stan Grant
Jack Charles: Born-again Blakfella by Jack Charles and Namila Benson
Sand Talk: How Indigenous Thinking Can Save the World by Tyson Yunkaporta
(This is not a complete list and I am actively seeking more recommendations – if you have any to add please get in contact)
Black Lives Matter Protests in Australia
- Sydney – BLM & George Floyd Peaceful Protest, Wednesday June 3 at 5 pm at Hyde Park on Elizabeth Street.
- Sydney – Stop All Black Deaths In Custody: Vigil for George Floyd, Saturday, June 6, 3pm until 5pm., 20 Lee St, Chippendale
- Melbourne – Stop Black Deaths In Custody – Justice For George Floyd #BLM hosted by Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance, Saturday June 6, 2pm to 5pm, Parliament House, Melbourne
- Canberra – Black Lives Matter Peaceful Protest. Justice for George Floyd!, Saturday June 6, 3pm, U.S. Embassy, Yarralumla
- Brisbane – Black Lives Matter Protest organised by the Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance, Saturday June 6, 12pm, Queen Street Mall
- Perth – Perth Peaceful BLM Protest, Saturday June 13, 12pm, Hyde Park, Vincent St and William St
- Adelaide – Adelaide: Solidarity With Minneapolis! Justice For George Floyd, Saturday June 6, 12pm to 1:30pm, Northern end of Tarndanyangga, Victoria Square
- Cairns!!!!! Black Lives Matter Protest Cairns, Sunday 7, 1pm. Location to be advised.
Learn about the Aboriginal history of the land you walk upon
One of the MOST important things you can do at the start of your anti-racism journey is dig deeper into the land upon which you live, work and love.
You can google your regions’ history, and take a look at this map of Indigenous Australia.
You can also contact your local Aboriginal Land Council to learn more, but unfortunately some states do this better than others (I’m looking at you, Queensland!)
Australians, if you want to support Indigenous and Black rights, you need to amplify black voices. You need to listen to black voices. You need to support black businesses. You need to write to your local MP. You need to write to your local schools (templates for both coming shortly). You need to actively get on the anti-racism bus and never get off.