Thread by @amymcquire

#RCIADIC30Years Today I remember the words of Aboriginal poet Robert Walker, who was killed by guards in Fremantle prison in 1984.

"Have you ever heard screams in the middle of the night
Or the sobbings of a stir-crazy prisoner
Echo over and over in the darkness...

#RCIADIC30Years
"Threatening to draw you into its madness?
Have you ever rolled up into a human ball
And prayed for sleep to come?
-Robert Walker

#RCIADIC30Years
"Have you ever laid awake for hours.. Waiting for morning to mark another day of being alone If you've ever experienced even one of these
-Robert Walker

#RCIADIC30Years
"Then bow your head and thank God
For it's a strange thing indeed
This rehabilitation system!'
-Robert Walker

Robert Walker was bashed by guards in Fremantle & died of asphyxia. He could not breathe. His family fought so hard for justice, and yet this brutal system denies Aboriginal families any semblance of justice or healing. Today I remember those who died and those who still mourn

But I also remember the resistances of Aboriginal men, women and children against state-sanctioned violence throughout their lifetimes. Robert Walker's poetry and songwriting is a lasting reminder of his resistance even in the midst of such enduring injustice.

I have been thinking a lot about Robert Walker’s case this week. Archie Roach’s film Liyarn Ngarn shows footage of Robert singing his protest song inside prison #RCIADIC30Years

I have been listening to this song over and over again. In the doco, Archie sings a song 'Never Blood', to Robert, while in Fremantle prison. He breaks down and then says 'I have to get this right for that fella'.

We have to get this right for these fellas - the Aboriginal men, women and children who have died in custody. It can't go on another 30 years.