Benched single work   autobiography  
Issue Details: First known date: 2019... 2019 Benched
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AbstractHistoryArchive Description

'As far back as I can remember, I've always disliked team sports. Aside from the fact that I performed poorly in them — and spent most of the time bored, hungry and sitting on a bench — I thought I did better when my physical attributes were put to good use. And that only happened in track and field. I was very proud that I could run short distances at what I believed was a speed that rivalled Cathy Freeman's, and if I'm completely honest, it was the only thing I felt I was naturally good at. I was also obsessed with Marion Jones, of whom Pa see pictures in my mum's Ebony magazines. Marion Jones braided her hair just like I did, and I imagined I'd look like her when I was older and became a famous runner.'  (Introduction)

Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of

  • Appears in:
    y separately published work icon Growing Up African in Australia Maxine Beneba Clarke (editor), Collingwood : Black Inc. , 2019 15503976 2019 anthology autobiography poetry

    'Learning to kick a football in a suburban schoolyard. Finding your feet as a young black dancer. Discovering your grandfather’s poetry. Meeting Nelson Mandela at your local church. Facing racism from those who should protect you. Dreading a visit to the hairdresser. House-hopping across the suburbs. Being too black. Not being black enough. Singing to find your soul, and then losing yourself.

    'Welcome to African Australia. Compiled by award-winning author Maxine Beneba Clarke, with curatorial assistance from writers Ahmed Yussuf and Magan Magan, this anthology brings together the regions of Africa, and the African diaspora, from the Caribbean to the Americas. Told with passion, power, and poise, these are the stories of African-diaspora Australians: diverse, engaging, hopeful and heartfelt.'

    Source: Publisher's blurb.

    Collingwood : Black Inc. , 2019
    pg. 54-59
Last amended 21 May 2019 09:33:20
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