Black Lives Matter founder urges Australians to fight racism
Posted November 01, 2017 7:00 am
SYDNEY (AP) - Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors has called on Australians to make a courageous stand and heal the nation's divisive racial problems, urging the country's government to heed the demands of its indigenous people.
In Australia to accept the Sydney Peace Prize on behalf of her movement, Cullors said Australia's racial problems mirrored those of the United States, and that her movement stood in solidarity with Australia's indigenous population.
Cullors urged Australia's government to listen to its indigenous communities, and called on rank and file Australians to stand up to fight racism in all walks of life.
The foundation awarding the prize credits Black Lives Matter for "building a powerful movement for racial equality, courageously reigniting a global conversation around state violence and racism."
FILE - In this May 29, 2009 file photo, locals sit on a street side in downtown Wadeye in the Northern Territory of Australia. The awarding of the Sydney Peace Prize to Black Lives Matter for its work on American race issues is being hailed by local activists as a progressive step, but is also highlighting Australiaâs own struggles with race relations. The Sydney Peace Foundation will award its prize to Black Lives Matter for inspiring a âbold movement for change at a time when peace is threatened by growing inequality and injustice.â Australian activists say such issues need to be addressed at home as well. (AP Photo/Kristen Gelineau, File)
The Associated Press
FILE - In this Sept. 21, 2010 file photo, asylum seekers stop a fellow detainee from jumping off the Villawood Detention Center roof in Sydney, Australia, during a protest by the detainees who say they are scared of being returned to their home countries and upset over the death of a fellow detainee on the previous day. The awarding of the Sydney Peace Prize to Black Lives Matter for its work on American race issues is being hailed by local activists as a progressive step, but is also highlighting Australiaâs own struggles with race relations. The Sydney Peace Foundation will award its prize to Black Lives Matter for inspiring a âbold movement for change at a time when peace is threatened by growing inequality and injustice.â Australian activists say such issues need to be addressed at home as well. (AP Photo/Rob Griffith, File)
The Associated Press
FILE - In this Jan. 26, 2017 file photo Aboriginal activists carry a banner during an Australia Day protest in Adelaide, Australia. The awarding of the Sydney Peace Prize to Black Lives Matter for its work on American race issues is being hailed by local activists as a progressive step, but is also highlighting Australiaâs own struggles with race relations. The Sydney Peace Foundation will award its prize to Black Lives Matter for inspiring a âbold movement for change at a time when peace is threatened by growing inequality and injustice.â Australian activists say such issues need to be addressed at home as well. (Tim Dornin/AAP Image via AP)
The Associated Press
FILE - In this Nov. 28, 2016 file photo, Australia's Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull observes an aboriginal dance during an event against domestic violence outside Parliament House in Canberra. The awarding of the Sydney Peace Prize to Black Lives Matter for its work on American race issues is being hailed by local activists as a progressive step, but is also highlighting Australiaâs own struggles with race relations. The Sydney Peace Foundation will award its prize to Black Lives Matter for inspiring a âbold movement for change at a time when peace is threatened by growing inequality and injustice.â Australian activists say such issues need to be addressed at home as well. (Lukas Coch/AAP Image via AP)
The Associated Press
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