Not Just Black and White
A Conversation Between a Mother and Daughter
By: Lesley Williams, Tammy Williams
About This Book
Not Just Black and White is the memoir of two remarkable women, mother and daughter, whose inspirational story shines a powerful light on black and white relations in Australia over the past sixty years. Their differing perspectives illuminate what it's like to be an Indigenous woman in Australia, then and now.
AI Overview
"Not Just Black and White" by Lesley Williams and Tammy Williams is a memoir that tells the story of two remarkable women and their journey towards equality and justice. The book is a powerful and inspirational account of their experiences, struggles, and triumphs.
Key Themes
Resilience and Determination: The memoir highlights the resilience and determination of Lesley Williams, who grew up in Cherbourg Aboriginal Settlement in Queensland under the restrictive Aboriginals Protection and the Restriction of the Sale of Opium Act of 1897 and its successors. Despite the numerous challenges and restrictions placed on her life, Lesley persevered and eventually spearheaded a campaign for justice for Aboriginal workers.
Family and Legacy: The book is a conversation between a mother and daughter, with Tammy Williams sharing her perspective on her mother's experiences. This dual narrative provides a rich and multifaceted view of their lives, emphasizing the importance of family and the legacy of their struggles.
Racism and Inequity: The memoir sheds light on the shameful history of Australia's past, particularly the treatment of Indigenous people. It details the systemic racism and inequity faced by Lesley and countless other Indigenous Australians, including the practice of holding their earnings in government accounts without their access or control.
Personal Growth and Empowerment: The story is one of personal growth and empowerment. Lesley's curiosity about the money held by the government led her to ask questions of high authorities and even international authorities, ultimately leading to significant changes and compensation for Aboriginal workers.
Plot Summary
Lesley Williams was born in the mid-1940s and grew up in Cherbourg Aboriginal Settlement, where every aspect of her life was regulated by the authorities. She was assigned to work as a domestic servant at the age of 15 without being informed of the conditions of her employment. Despite living in fear of white authorities, Lesley found support from both Aboriginal and white friends and allies. She eventually spearheaded a campaign for justice for Aboriginal workers, which led to a compensation package of $55.4 million dollars.
The memoir is told in tandem with Tammy Williams, who shares her mother's story with eloquence and insight. Tammy's journey is also marked by her own experiences with racism and inequity, which she navigates to become a barrister. Her feelings about racism and inequity are highlighted, including a notable event where she won a trip to Michael Jackson's 'Neverland Ranch'.
Critical Reception
The book has received positive reviews for its engaging and inspiring narrative. Critics have praised the memoir for its multi-faceted storytelling, which includes elements of romance, heroism, grief, rage, and unexpected plot twists. The dual narrative between Lesley and Tammy adds depth to the story, making it a compelling read.
Jonathan Shaw, in his review, describes the book as a "superb memoir" that is both a page-turner and a tale of multi-faceted heroism. He notes that the title may sound preachy, but the book is anything but, offering a rich and emotional journey through the lives of two remarkable women.
Overall, "Not Just Black and White" is a powerful and inspiring memoir that highlights the resilience and determination of Lesley Williams and her daughter Tammy, while shedding light on the shameful history of Australia's treatment of Indigenous people.