GL Letters from the Indigenous Social Justice Association and MUA on the death of Ray Jackson

April 23, 2015

By Mr Rev Comrade Rowley for ISJA Sydney

Dear Indigenous Social Justice Association Sydney,

It is with great sad news that ISJA Sydney writes to inform you all of the passing of our Comrade Ray Jackson president and founder of the Indigenous Social Justice Association Sydney and longtime socialist activist organiser for Aboriginal rights, justice for all deaths in custody and other social justice issues.

Last night, on April 23, Ray was found in bed by his granddaughter, and it seems he died peacefully in his sleep after the regular ISJA meeting last night.

READ MORE: Wiradjuri warrior Ray Jackson has passed away

At this stage there are no further details we can offer. ISJA Sydney will continue the ISJA work in memory of Ray's legacy of helping the victims and their families and friends continue to organise the campaign to stop all deaths in custody; one of a number of lists that Ray held and will keep you informed about any details and plans regarding our comrade Ray Jackson.

We do know that Ray has donated his body to the University of Sydney so there will be no burial, however, we have spoken a number of times of some kind of celebration. What that is, and how and when that will happen is yet to be planned.

What is clear is that the best way to remember comrade Ray who is still the first elected Aboriginal president and founder of ISJA Sydney in spirit is to put our differences aside and do what he would do. Unite to continue to help the families and the victims to organise the campaign and march on the streets to wage the fight to stop all deaths in custody and for all other social justice issues as that was one of his greatest wishes for those of us who worked with him and remember him.

God bless, love in struggle and Solidarity forever with our comrade Ray Jackson and his family and extended family both inside and outside of ISJA Sydney for Aboriginal sovereignty, treaty and social justice.

Author's note: Originally published in Green Left Weekly issue 1050. Evidence that Mr Rev Comrade Rowley originally wrote this for ISJA Sydney can be found below in the photograph. This article is reposted here without alteration of the content and without prejudice.

Maureen Grant support

I have known Rev Comrade Rowley for six months. We met at the University of Western Sydney. Rev Comrade Rowley has increasingly impressed me with his honesty, integrity, tenacity, and commitment to the struggle for freedom of all oppressed groups.

Despite enduring much personal pain and hurt through oppression and antagonism from a group he had come to love and respect, he has found the strength to fight for justice for all. (Too often in social justice, we can observe people displace their personal needs above fighting for the rights of others)

Perhaps more than anything that I find inspiring about Rev is that he has not given up the fight for the majority and nor has he resorted to displacing his righteous anger and pain onto others. Instead, he has remained focused on the core problem, being one of miscommunication, ignorance, and fear. Too often we listen to the voices of the powerful rather than to go beyond the façade to see that the truth is not only stronger than fiction but is also estranged from our society which relies on lies to prop up its shaky foundations.

Rev's heart for social justice for all means that he can only fight for what he knows to be true beneath the fiction. Fortunately, for the Socialist Alliance, he is also true to himself. I commend and support Rev in his struggle to have the truth heard to reunite. At that time both Rev and his party will become stronger and renewed.

Maureen Grant

RESISTING CHANGE IS ONE OF THE MOST DESTRUCTIVE FORCES
"The only constant changes. Those who fail to change, fail to grow, and become stagnant. Change is painful but there is no other way/"

Justice Is not a bonus at christmas.

Rev Comrade Rowley

Sydney aboriginal homeless community are upset their leading aboriginal elder, the original stolen generation, and human rights guitarist Samual Roberts was robbed of providing Christmas to his children. On the 23rd of December in the afternoon two aboriginal women turned against the community took advantage, attempted to steal his guitar, and stole $900 of Roberts concessional Pensioner bonus from his pocket near the central station at the Chalmers Street exit. The homeless managed to stop them from taking his guitar and two chased after one of the women who had made off with the money calling "Give Sam back his money. The police arrested one of the women who was later released on bail who then assaulted those that stood up for Roberts. Roberts creator of "We are Australians", who fought for land rights and the stolen generation since the time of Mabo was shocked this could happen within his own people he had considered as sisters. The aboriginal people are not only calling for community justice for Roberts but also to unite to stop continual human rights violations that continue to divide communities.

Robert's brother Henry William Cook, stated "They took advantage of him because he is crippled and homeless. We don't have much except each other as it is and now there's nothing for his children. It was wrong what they did to him especially within our own culture. It's just not on.

Samual Robert's stated, "While shocked, we are one, but we are many. For I remember those forgotten ones who have survived the white man's ways. May justice is done and the welfare of our people shall rise. For is this justice or just us?"

Rev Comrade Rowley stated, "What is it going to take for people to stop turning against each other, stop the hate, stop the blame when we can all learn together. It's this unjust system we live under that is our enemy not each other. These people are already removed from society, and we're so quick to point the finger and attack those who are most vulnerable, who stand up to it for the rights of others. It's not just about your identity this is about human life. More Police aren't the answer to a united community is no matter your identity. Rudd's 2020 white paper plan offered no real solution for the environment now nor did his one for the homeless. After 30 years of it, it's time the government made active promises now. Its time to unite as a community for the equal rights of human life."

Thankyou street level who were able to help so far, If you can stand up for the homeless like Sam please help

contact Rev Comrade Rowley 0459 771 520

DOCS DENY SALVATION ARMY WORKER CHILD ACCESS

Rev Comrade Rowley
The Community is outraged DOCS denied a Salvation Army worker her children for Christmas. Cairns DOCS refused Tina Kellett of Blacktown the annual three times a year visitation to her children. After six to seven months of requests, no justified explanation was given by DOCS, despite a promise made by Blacktown DOCS it would be no problem for Tina's daughter Lani to be reunited with her mother. The reason because they blamed Tina for being too annoying due to an unofficial policy prejudice towards those with disabilities who are considered a violation of the nuclear family. This denial and removal of children from parents since the 1960's/50s whether natural or not is continuing to happen to this day, not just because of race, citizenship, age, gender or sexuality but because of prejudice towards those who have a disability. Blacktown DOCS who are the only ones who have actually visited Tina's house Jody Owen stated it wouldn't be a problem but that it wasn't up to Blacktown. Tina had heard no response from Cairns DOCS by December in regards to the annual 3 days organized visitation rights while Lani's father and grandparents were allowed the annual two weeks. Team leader Helen from Cairns DOCS who has never met Tina gave the official line as to the reason why Tina was denied Lani as "The flat was too dangerous for Lani to be there. It was too dangerous for Lani to be around Tina." Tina whose incredible heart and compassion for others has no criminal record, nor has she ever harmed others whose only problem is a mild speech impediment, a disability that could happen to anyone. Kellett stated, "When people are trying to look after their children and trying to do the right thing, DOCS should give them second chance instead of deciding what they think is best for them. They take our children, our life and our right to be parents away without a say and then lie about it like were stupid because they don't consider people who just have a lot of love to give as human beings. Then they classify us as all crazy or too annoying for requesting to end the prejudice, keep their promises, and let our children who we love and care for come home."Karen Cook community member of Street-level stated, "Like Tina, my daughter was taken too. Then DOCS had the nerve to blame Tina just because we are not perfect who defend each other's rights and help each other to raise our children. When Tina's daughter was denied for Christmas it was like every body's children were denied based on prejudice just cause we're not perfect. All we want is an equal future for people free from discrimination." Rev Comrade Rowley stated, "I find it ironic that Kevin Rudd is so keen on maintaining the nuclear family while continuing to maintain Departments such as DOCS who continue to tear friends, relatives apart by removing people from society just because were considered a violation of the nuclear family and stand up to it. People with disabilities have a lot of love to give yet are considered as third citizens. To deny any human being a chance at life by bans, bars, or removals continues the prejudice that denies and divides people. We need to unite as a community for action now for full rights and not just settle for a few concessions of what they think is best for us.To help fight for Tina's children please contact Tina 0431 972 412 or Rev Comrade Rowley 0459 771 520.

Queer atheists fight for equal rights at Mardi Gras

By Rev Comrade Rowley
Sydney Gay Atheists Bus campaign marched silently in cardboard buses for LGBTI rights to stop corporate advertising silencing atheist voice at Mardi gras. This was in response to the corporatization of Mardi Gras and the rejection of Atheist advertising being barred by APN advertising on the nation’s public transport system. With slogans such as. “There’s Probably No God, Now stop worrying and enjoy your life” ended up being a drawcard for the Christian left activists who supported an alternative to religion. This was in support of a worldwide bus campaign to allow freedom of speech to not be silenced by corporate advertising on the side of public transit buses nationwide including at Mardi Gras for LGBTI rights. Queer and ally Christian left activists from NoToPope Coalition, Crave, Good Sheppard, and Street-Level marched with the 30+queers in support of the campaign united by love so that humanity’s voice should not be closeted by the big business whether you believe or not.
According to SMH 8/01/09, APN Outdoor advertising stated there was no reason for rejecting the $16,000 atheist campaign but refused to comment on why that has also continued to reject Christian organizations from advertising.
Sydney Queer atheist’s activist Kate Alway stated, “Religion has a lot of power. The fight for queer rights is the same fight as the queer struggle only 20 – 30 years later as both have been suppressed and exploited the church. The bus campaign has done well in Australia because it’s started a debate. We want visibility and we want the debate.”
The Atheist successful bus campaign began in London to encourage atheists to come out of the atheist closet has won support from those with faith that has spread to the US, Europe The intention according to The Age 8/i/09 to demonstrate to the public there is an alternative to religion. That more importantly according to Queer Sydney Atheists respect all beliefs so long as no one gets hurt and that there is an alternative to religious bigotry that is so often perpetrated by the Catholic Church. This has won support from Christian left because it allows open political discussion on faith, the church, and the state as it is a case of free speech without violation of each other’s human rights.
To find out more about the Queer Sydney atheist campaign contact Kate Alway 0417 450 802

FREE MUMIA!!

Rev Comrade Rowley in Melbourne

The Indigeneous Social Justice Association Melbourne held a public Speak Out Saturday April 10 at Old Melbourne city square cnr Swanston & Collins St to call for the release of political prisoner Mumia Abu-Jamal. Mumia a former Black Panther, black revolutionary and a journalist has been held a political prisoner since 1982 on Pensylvania's death row for revolutionary activities for disenfranchised people including being the 'Voice of the voiceless.' Wrongly accused, Mumia has for the past 28 years trial and all the way through to appeals to higher courts, has been tainted by racism, anti- radical bias and been violated of constitutional rights. Police and witnesses throughout the trial gave perjured evidence and Mumia has had no fair trial to date. "We demand that Mumia be freed immediately," said Peter Murray of the Freedom Socialist Party. "They detained Mumia because they see Mumia as a threat to the US state because he is a revolutionary." "This Speak Out is part of a big proud movement to free Mumia,"told Alison Thorne of Radical Women. "We need to keep building the movement to free all political prisoners. We need to keep getting their stories out so everyone can be part of that fight to free Mumia, free them all." The speak out was jointly also organised by Anarchist Black Cross, Anarchist Communist Group and Freedom Socialist Party. The Indigenous Social Justice Association also pledged solidarity to free Lex Watton and all other political prisoners.

30 years still fighting - Equality for all!

COMMUNITY ACTION FOR RAINBOW RIGHTS

CALL FOR ENDORSEMENTS & SPONSORS 

Thursday 21/2/08 

 For immediate release 

Open Invitation Call for all & Queer indigenous to join us for Mardi Gras Leading Sydney Queer activist group Community Action For Rainbow Rights (CARR) is sending out an open invitation to all queer and queer friendly people to join us on the 1st of March 2008 to march in the Mardi Gras parade. With the aim of having the most diverse float of the evening we call on those who believe in equality and justice for all to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the very first Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. 

 "For more than 30 years we've been fighting for the equality of all GLBTI people irregardless of colour, gender or sexuality," says Mr Rev Comrade Rowley CARR Activist. "The ALP were the first to side with the Liberals to ban our marriages in 2004 and should be the first to end all homophobic discriminatory laws. The fight for equality is a world wide struggle to end all discrimination. This Mardi Gras we need to continue building a strong united protest for equality to win." 

"Some Indigenous people are queer too, we ask all Indigenous people to march with us in solidarity for equal Rights", says Allan Priestley CARR  Co convenor. "Mardi Gras began as a protest in 1978 to end all homophobic laws. Whether you're black or white 30 years on Mardi Gras is still a protest for the equality of all GLBTI people." 

 "I think that it is important we all turn out again this year as after 30 years we still do not have our rights" Alan Brennan CARR Treasurer. "We call for all to march with us for Mardi Gras in a united fight for equal rights." 

CARR's theme for this years Mardi Gras is "30 years on still fighting 1978 –2008" Going with the 70's theme we will be dressing up as hippies and protestors – So bring out the flare pants and the peace signs, protest banners and big hair and get ready for the time of your life!! 

Entry $10 solidarity/$5 concession per wrist band to cover the costs of the float entry 

For more information contact: Rach 0403 798 420 Emilia 0401 519 593 Alan 0433 774 280 www.caah.org 2008 30th Mardi Gras Anniversary CARR Entry 

Endorsement list CARR (Sydney), Gay Men's Sydney Nudest Group, New Mardi Gras, Refugee Action Coalition, Socialist Alliance?, Resistance?