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Black Lives Matter message in central Queensland seen as a conversation that needs to happen

blacksonrise by blacksonrise
June 14, 2020
in Aboriginal Australia News
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Black Lives Matter message in central Queensland seen as a conversation that needs to happen
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As thousands continue to show their solidarity for the Black Lives Matter movement amid a global pandemic, Indigenous Australians say now is the time to listen.

Darumbal and Bailai man Matthius Mann, 22, said the protests were a rare opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to be heard.

“This is one of the most powerful ways that our people can [speak up] because our people have been doing it for centuries, for years,” he said.

“We’ve accomplished so much but still at the same time, so very little.

“I hope that our justice system and also our government will actually listen.

“We know that they can hear us but it just seems like they don’t really listen to what we say and what we stand for.”

Matthius Mann stands on the Rockhampton riverbank with white paint on his face and a serious expression.
Darumbal and Bailai man Matthius Mann says he hopes governments will listen.(ABC Capricornia: Erin Semmler)

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Mr Mann said those who frowned upon the movement did not understand what Indigenous Australians had been through.

“It’s for the future generations, so that they don’t have to face the things that my people have faced,” he said.

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Erasing stereotypes

Waluwurra woman Aunty Kylie Major-Oakley, 37, joined the protest with her children.

“They’re growing up in a society where they’re still stereotyped,” she said.

“It’s about educating those who have opinions, those stereotypes against us as Aboriginal people.

“We’re all painted with the same brush — which is not the case.”

Aunty Kylie Major-Oakley sits amongst a group of young people with an Aboriginal flag in the background.
Wuluwurra woman Aunty Kylie Major-Oakley says she joined the protest to show young people they can be heard.(ABC Capricornia: Erin Semmler)

For Aunty Major-Oakley, the movement is an opportunity to set an example for the next generation.

“Our people have always been suppressed and to support our people, as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, to have that voice is really important,” she said.

“That’s why I brought my children today, to see how it works and to help them and encourage them to stand up and speak, because they’re our future leaders.”

‘Don’t be racist’

Darumbal boy Walali Hatfield, 8, said marching made him feel anxious, happy and proud.

“It was good seeing all my mob together,” he said.

“Black lives really do matter, we’re not doing any crime or anything, that’s just our coloured skin.”

Walali holds up a Black Lives Matter sign, wearing an Aboriginal flag mask and Black Lives Matter shirt, marching in crowd.
Walali Hatfield marched proudly through Rockhampton with hundreds of protesters.(ABC Capricornia: Erin Semmler)

He had a simple message.

“Don’t be racist and don’t judge people by their skin colour,” he said.

Police brutality ‘still happening today’

Annette Dudley, 44, of Bailai, Murray Island (Torres Strait) and Tanna Island (Vanuatu) descent, joined the protest in solidarity of the movement but also because of a personal connection to its history.

“My uncle was a victim of police brutality way back in the 70s at Mackay watch house,” she said.

“It’s a matter that impacts and affects generations coming through and it’s still happening today.

“Movements like this, they may not always be positive conversations, but it’s a conversation and it needs to happen.

“It’s not something that’s going to go away.”

Annette Dudley stands on the Rockhampton riverbank wearing a mask and rain poncho.
Annette Dudley says her uncle was the victim of police brutality in the 1970s.(ABC Capricornia: Erin Semmler)

She is hoping for change at all levels.

“Just having one person turn up, that’s a change, that’s forward movement,” she said.

“The light has shone on [systemic racism] and it’s actually opening up people’s eyes and it starts the conversation, which helps that movement for change.

“I think if people are open to that, then it slowly will be a better place.”

Letitia Smith and her friend smile holding up placards with their faces painted with yellow, black and red dots.
Goreng Goreng woman Letitia Smith says now is the time for change.(ABC Capricornia: Erin Semmler)

‘It’s about time’

Goreng Goreng woman Letitia Smith, 20, said now was the time for change.

“It’s time for our mob to move forward and heal properly and stop getting brought back by wrongful incarceration,” she said.

“I think youth are pinpointed a lot, for break and enters.

‘It’s always blamed on Indigenous youth and I think it’s because they’re so easy to point their fingers at.

“They don’t really have a voice for themselves as of yet, so they just cop it on the chin.

“It’s just baby steps at the moment and I think that’s what these protests are for, because it’s about time it’s all happening.”

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