In recent years, African Australian communities have become one of the more visible newly arrived migrant communities in Australia. With their arrival has come a heated narrative about African ‘gangs’ and crime waves, stoked by familiar fears with roots in Australia’s racist past. In Episode 7 of Australia Fair, host Janak Rogers chats with activist and storyteller Bol Mayan, who runs the Seed Network to amplify African Australian voices; Mariam Koslay, a writer and filmmaker; and Jim Malo, a journalist examining race and media. This episode explores how sensational media coverage, particularly around events like the 2018 Moomba Festival brawl, COVID-19 lockdowns in Melbourne’s public housing towers, and the entrenched ‘African gangs’ coverage has affected Australia’s African diaspora communities.
When you grow up in a school around people who don't know Black people other than from American media you do grow up with a lot of that projected onto you and that can be very difficult. Finding your own identity between this idea of you should be like a Black American, or you should be like a bogan from Caboolture, or you should be like a Malagasy person from a tiny rice growing village is very difficult.Jim Malo — journalist
Australia Fair offers a critical look at the nation's struggle to reconcile its diverse present with its exclusionary past.
Find all episodes in the eight-part series in the SBS Audio app or other podcast apps such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and LiSTNR.
GUESTS
Bol Mayan - filmmaker, activist and host of The Seed Network
Mariam Koslay - filmmaker and activist
Jim Malo - journalist
Australia Fair is created by Janak Rogers
Additional editing by Max Gosford
The podcast is dedicated to Joyrsri Trivedi Rogers (1945 — 2024). "Woman Extraordinary. Plenipotentiary. Citizen of the World, Origin India". And, to John Michael Rogers (1932 - 2002).
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