Black Community School
Eddie's determination that his children should share the songs and the language of Mer, drove him to establish the first Black Community School in Australia in 1973.
Before this, school had always been the place where black children learned white culture and lost their own.
The community school was based in Townsville and Mabo became its Director.
Even when pregnant, and caring for six children, Bonita Mabo played a major role at the school, while Koiki sought students and funding, and fended off attacks from the local media.
Black Community School Manifesto
Text
1973-1985
Black Community School, Black Community School, education, manifesto, multiculturalism, Townsville
...coming home with tears in their eyes...
Text
Black Community School, Black Community School, education, Mabo family, racism, Townsville
...only a handful of black teachers...
Audio and Image
1973
James Cook University, Mabo, Edward Koiki, Townsville
...There is a fear...
Text
1973-1985
Black Community School, Black Community School, Mabo, Edward Koiki, Townsville
The Best Of Two Cultures
Topic
1973-1985
Black Community School, cultural preservation, Mabo, Edward Koiki, Meriam culture, multiculturalism
Homesick
Topic
1970s
cultural preservation, Mabo, Edward Koiki, Mer, Meriam culture, Murray Island, songs, Townsville
...Our own education system...
Audio
Black Community School, education, language, Mabo, Edward Koiki
...My kids were able to do the island dance...
Text
Black Community School, culture, custom, dancing, education, family, Mabo, Edward Koiki, religion, Townsville, Whaleboat, Donald
...Our own school...
Video
Black Community School, education, language, Mabo, Edward Koiki, Whaleboat, Donald
Black Activist
Topic
1972-1980
activism, Mabo, Edward Koiki, Townsville, Townsville, Yumba Meta Housing Co-op
