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https://theconversation.com/friday-essay-aboriginal-anzacs-fought-for-australia-but-returned-home-to-racism-it-fuelled-their-activism-279657>
"Historians estimate more than 1,000 Aboriginal Australians served in the first
world war. After the war, many expressed their disappointment that “fighting
for our King and country” had not resulted in any improvement in Aboriginal
rights or living conditions.
Unlike white soldiers, they were not feted as heroes. Instead, they faced
racism and discrimination. The fight for Aboriginal rights and justice during
the 1920s was driven by this tension between Aboriginal servicemen’s
expectations of war and their subsequent disillusionment. It was crucial for
the rise of organised Aboriginal political activism during the 1920s.
The Australian Aboriginal Progressive Association was founded in 1924. Led by
my grandfather, Fred Maynard, it is recognised today as Australia’s first
united all-Aboriginal political organisation.
Two key organisers, Maynard’s close friend Dick Johnson and Edward Walker, had
both served in the first world war. Another significant member, Tom Lacey, was
the father of two soldiers who served (and another close friend of Maynard).
Their exposure to international conflict helped them connect racism in
Australia with an international struggle for black liberation.
In a 1927 letter to New South Wales Premier Jack Lang, my grandfather
referenced the key values of Anzac, emphasising the “loyalty, fidelity and
bravery” of Aboriginal men “when conditions have called for the exercise of
such virtues”. In the letter, he unleashed his anger at the NSW government’s
draconian policies, shocking mistreatment and severe control over Aboriginal
lives."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
