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.
