The Freedom Rides of 1965
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The Freedom rides of 1965 was one of many major events that paved the way for a Aboriginal rights today. The Media grabbing display of activism and protest was started by a group of mixed race Sydney University students. Student Action For Aborigines (SAFA) was the chosen title for these students. The students were lead by Charles Perkins an Aboriginal who was the chosen president of the group. Perkins was a three year art student at the university and was a passionate Aboriginal Activist.
SAFA wanted draw public attention to the poor state of Aboriginal health, education and housing in country Australian towns.They believe the awareness would help lessen the socially discriminatory barriers which existed between Aboriginal and white residents. They also wished to encourage and support Aboriginal people themselves to resist discrimination. The Freedom ride was considered necessary to further educate the population on Aboriginal discrimination.
On the 12th February 1965, 30 members of the SAFA group departed from Sydney University on their bus journey around what they considered to be New South Wales notoriously racist towns. The bus travelled to Walgett, Gulargambone, Kempsey, Bowraville, Moree and Lismoore.
The first few stops the students visited they observed and took surveys. When they arrived in Walgett on the 15th February the first demonstration was carried out. The freedom riders as they came to be called barricaded the local RSL club. The Walgett RSL refused entry and service to Aboriginal people including indigenous men who fought in both World Wars.The freedom riders protested outside the RSL which sparked hostility from the towns people. They insulted them,violently threatened and even ran the bus of the road.
As the bus continued their journey the bus had damage from the events in Walgett they were forced to go back to the town. On their return they found that the prior decisions made about aboriginal rights had been ignored. During their short stay they had a chance to once again come to an agreement with the Walgett council.
One of the most recognised protest of the freedom ride was at Moree. Charles Perkins protested by swimming with aboriginal children at the pool during the same time as white residents. This specific event was showcased on international new across the globe. The violent backfire of this event forced the freedom riders to be removed by police.
The freedom Rides was significant to Aboriginal people as it removed the smugness that Australian people had about no discrimination being present in the country. The protests drew international attention and support for the Aboriginal communities allowing them to continue to fight for rights and further freedoms.
SAFA wanted draw public attention to the poor state of Aboriginal health, education and housing in country Australian towns.They believe the awareness would help lessen the socially discriminatory barriers which existed between Aboriginal and white residents. They also wished to encourage and support Aboriginal people themselves to resist discrimination. The Freedom ride was considered necessary to further educate the population on Aboriginal discrimination.
On the 12th February 1965, 30 members of the SAFA group departed from Sydney University on their bus journey around what they considered to be New South Wales notoriously racist towns. The bus travelled to Walgett, Gulargambone, Kempsey, Bowraville, Moree and Lismoore.
The first few stops the students visited they observed and took surveys. When they arrived in Walgett on the 15th February the first demonstration was carried out. The freedom riders as they came to be called barricaded the local RSL club. The Walgett RSL refused entry and service to Aboriginal people including indigenous men who fought in both World Wars.The freedom riders protested outside the RSL which sparked hostility from the towns people. They insulted them,violently threatened and even ran the bus of the road.
As the bus continued their journey the bus had damage from the events in Walgett they were forced to go back to the town. On their return they found that the prior decisions made about aboriginal rights had been ignored. During their short stay they had a chance to once again come to an agreement with the Walgett council.
One of the most recognised protest of the freedom ride was at Moree. Charles Perkins protested by swimming with aboriginal children at the pool during the same time as white residents. This specific event was showcased on international new across the globe. The violent backfire of this event forced the freedom riders to be removed by police.
The freedom Rides was significant to Aboriginal people as it removed the smugness that Australian people had about no discrimination being present in the country. The protests drew international attention and support for the Aboriginal communities allowing them to continue to fight for rights and further freedoms.