The Black Lives Matter movement has raised important questions about the prevalence and pervasiveness of racism in the criminal justice system. Its message found resonance around the world, with populations in countries including Canada, France, the United Kingdom, and Australia identifying with the same issues presented by the United States supporters of the BLM movement – they argue that criminal justice systems in their respective states display systemic bias in police response, with cascading effects on minority groups’ physical, social, political and psychological well-being. While the reasons for these systemic problems are complex and may vary based on cultural context, many Australians have found parallels between Australia’s criminal justice system and that of the U.S.

The year 2020 is the 250th Anniversary of Cooks arrival at Botany Bay in 1770. In a speech about the Encounters 2020 project, Indigenous Affairs Minister Ken Wyatt states “Cook’s arrival and exploration in 1770s is not viewed by all Australians in the same way” and points to the need for a platform for the truth to be told and heard.

Mine is one of many Black lives in Australia.
My story amplifies the global truth that Black lives often do not matter enough or at all.In this piece, I speak from my own experiences, practices and rela-tionships. My perspectives are moulded by my journey. I acknowledge the traditional owners of the land where I now live, work and dream. I
acknowledge that I stand on stolen Aboriginal land. I pay my respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging