This special Doin’ Time program is the second part in a shining yearly tribute to the much-loved and honourable Uncle Ray Jackson, who died on April 23 2015.
Uncle Ray was a Wiradjuri warrior who dedicated his life to fighting for justice and human rights for Aboriginal people affected by the so-called criminal justice system, and all people affected by state violence. A vocal and knowledgeable Deaths in Custody campaigner, and long-time President of the Indigenous Social Justice Association (ISJA), Uncle Ray received the prestigious French Human Rights medal, with the Australian state (despite its long history of atrocities) never allocating an award to him.
The tributes on today's show are from Lisa Deluca, friend of Ray Jackson - she considers him her mentor. They worked together on Aboriginal deaths in custody campaigns.
Sergio Zorino and Dick Whitehead, union friends who worked extensively with Ray in the trade unions. They will give a history of Ray's work especially in the area of occupational health and safety. They speak about Uncle Ray being politicised as a young man through his involvement with the union movement as a wharfie, and about Uncle Ray being a passionate activist and an indefinable and implacable opponent of injustice, oppression and the marginalisation of all disadvantaged people everywhere.
Carolyn Jackson, Ray's daughter, who helped organise this show today.
Raoul Bassi, friend and colleague from ISJA, who worked alongside Ray, campaigning to build the movement to stop Aboriginal deaths in custody.
Marisa