An Anawain Gamilaroi woman has demanded change after her nephew was broken down by racist taunts allegedly experienced at AFL training.
Shaylee Matthews took to her LinkedIn page to make the plea, also posting a video of her 9-year-old nephew Jarmiles in the aftermath of the incident.
Still wearing his team jersey, the young boy is seen crying in a car and repeating the racial abuse allegedly hurled at him, and making his own demands for change.
“I hate it when you call me Black,” he says through tears.
“I hate when you call me monkey. It’s got to stop.”
His Aunty, who works for the ACT government, said the video exposes the ‘harsh reality’ of racism experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“The hurtful comments and behaviours faced by Jarmiles not only reflect individual ignorance but also contribute to larger systemic inequalities,” she said in the post.
“We must advocate for change, demand accountability, and ensure that all children, regardless of their background, are treated with dignity and respect.”
Matthews called on others to take the opportunity of Reconciliation Week to combat such prejudices.
“By standing in solidarity, raising our voices, and actively working towards a more just and inclusive society, we can create a future where every child feels safe, valued, and supported.
“Let’s turn this moment of pain into a catalyst for meaningful change and a brighter tomorrow for all our children.”
Video the latest of Blak kids experiencing racism
The disturbing video, which comes in the middle of Reconciliation Week, mirrors other such incidents of vulnerable children being exposed to racism.
In March, AFL great Eddie Betts posted CCTV footage of a drive-by incident at his home, in which the unidentified occupant of a vehicle can be heard yelling extreme racial epithets in the direction of Betts’ home.
Betts’ children can be seen in the footage playing basketball in an outdoor area, before running inside when the abuse is hurled.
Matthews’ video of her nephew also has a disturbing similarity to
An extremely distressed Bayles can also be seen in the backseat of a car, in the aftermath of a bullying incident.
Like Matthews, Bayles mother posted the video in the hopes of highlighting the issue of Blak kids facing discrimination.
Bayles has since gone on to enjoy a successful budding movie career, and can be seen with a speaking role in George Miller’s upcoming Mad Max sequel, ‘Furiosa’.