On Thursday July 28th 2016, Australian South Sea Islanders Port Jackson and The Sydney Alliance facilitated a Yarning circle with Reverend Willie Bennett – Black Lives Matter, Grassroots power and Community activism.

There were a diverse range of prominent grass roots world leaders on a panel of black nations represented in Australia who all come together at The Settlement Redfern to discuss the many burdens that are placed on our communities through injustice and marginalisation. The insight provided by grassroots perspectives are critical as we explore and develop strategic partnerships aimed at creating change through greater understanding.

We were fortunate to have an opportunity to meet and exchange perspectives with Rev. Willie Bennett joining us from Dallas, USA.

The reverend brings over 30 years’ experience organising with low income communities in Fort Worth, Dallas as Lead Organiser with The Metropolitan Organisation.

Among his many experiences and achievements, Rev. Willie organised the Hurricane Katrina Survivor’s Network (KSN), which in 2009 negotiated 10,000 vouchers for people in Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas who had not received any support after Hurricane Katrina.

He also won over $150 million in rents for Dallas area survivors.

The night was opened by traditional owner from the Eora nation Fay Carroll with Welcome to Country, prayer and one minute silence by Pastor Ray Minniecon a Kabi Kabi, Gureng Gureng (FNQ) and ASSI man descendant from Ambrym Island – Vanuatu.

Other contributors were Shireen Malamoo Aboriginal / Kanak, Ken Canning a Kunja Clan of the Bidjara Peoples of south-west Queensland, Mal Freaun a Ngatiwai Maori Women from New Zealand, Angus Leendertz from South Africa, Lola Forester a Yuwibara/Australian South Sea Islander Women, Lynda-June Coe a Wiradjuri and Torres Strait Islander woman, Rachel Jordan African women.

Many thanks to The Settlement, Sarina Vojnar catering, Binette Diop camera operation and Zac Wone assistant MC.