International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination was marked with a protest organised by Blak Caucus on March 21.
MC Elizabeth Jarrett, from Black Caucus, reminded the crowd of its origins in the Sharpeville massacre in South Africa, 1960, and how inappropriate it is to “rebrand” that as Harmony Day in “so-called Australia”.
Her over-arching message was: “There can be no true harmony while First Nations people are still fighting for basic human rights, justice, and dignity on our own land.”
Speeches from Paul Silva and Jordan followed, with special words from a Pasifika Fa’afafine advocate.
Palestinian-Australian teacher Wasim El-Haj spoke about the hypocrisy of selective anti-discrimination government posts for antisemitism and Islamophobia. He said he had been penalised for wearing a keffiyeh to his workplace and criticised the increasing state suppression of freedom of speech targeting Pro-Palestine activists and all people of colour.
A local African drum group then loosened the crowd’s limbs in a rousingly interactive celebration of rhythm, song and dance, followed by a joyous display from a young female dabke troupe.
When we arrived at the edge of the Sydney Opera House forecourt, Paddy Gibson reminded the protest about the first thieving fleet coming through the heads — the land of Bennelong —and the irony of naval exercises providing a “show”.
Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe recounted her many conversations with various politicians, she said did not care much about justice — particularly Indigenous justice. She didn’t get to finish, as she was drowned out by the shattering sound of a warplane flying overhead.
