'The Australian Aboriginal Progressive Association (AAPA), begun in 1924, is little heard of today, but today's Aboriginal political movement is drawn from these roots. In this exploration of the life of founder, Fred Maynard, John Maynard reveals the commitment and sacrifices made by these Aboriginal heroes. Decades earlier than is commonly understood, Aboriginal people organised street rallies and held well-publicised regional and metropolitan meetings. The AAPA showed incredible aptitude in using newspaper coverage, letter writing and petitions, and collaborated with the international black movement through Maynard's connections with Marcus Garvey, first president of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA). The AAPA's demands resonate today: Aboriginal rights to land, preventing Aboriginal children being taken from their families, and defending a distinct Aboriginal cultural identity.'
Source: Trove.
Fred Maynard and the Awakening of Aboriginal Political Consciousness and Activism in the Twentieth Century Australia
Newcastle
:
2002
18343943
2002
single work
thesis
'This study examines the origins and early development of organised Aboriginal political activism of the twentieth century. The importance of the study has two aspects; it reveals a significant but missing chapter in the history of this continent and it is fundamental in understanding the flaws in the imperial metaphor of historical discourse. The historical evaluation of the Australian Aboriginal Progressive Association contained in this thesis is of critical importance to the revision of Australian Aboriginal history. Within that construct, it is intended to critique the nature of history. Why and how is it constructed? History in the Western sense is fundamentally about power and control. The research process of this study will examine the constructed Aboriginal place in history. Throughout the course of this study the methods used for the research process will be under continual review. The questions will be raised: Is there a tangible Aboriginal research methodology? If so, what are the guidelines in such an approach?'
Source: Thesis synopsis.
'Freedom by John Maynard adds an extra and long overdue dimension to our historical knowledge of Aboriginal activism and politics. The 1960s have long been upheld as a watershed in the modern Aboriginal rights movement. Charles Perkins’ 1965 Freedom Ride through New South Wales, the 1966 Gurrindji walk-off at Wave Hill and the campaign to support the 1967 Referendum have all taken their place in the history of Aboriginal activism. Maynard, however, shows through the life of his grandfather, Fred Maynard, that Aboriginal activism had deeper roots than is commonly known.' (Introduction)
'Freedom by John Maynard adds an extra and long overdue dimension to our historical knowledge of Aboriginal activism and politics. The 1960s have long been upheld as a watershed in the modern Aboriginal rights movement. Charles Perkins’ 1965 Freedom Ride through New South Wales, the 1966 Gurrindji walk-off at Wave Hill and the campaign to support the 1967 Referendum have all taken their place in the history of Aboriginal activism. Maynard, however, shows through the life of his grandfather, Fred Maynard, that Aboriginal activism had deeper roots than is commonly known.' (Introduction)
