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US Ambassador Caroline Kennedy on February 27th unveiled a plaque and helped plant a tree in the memory of Afro-American Eureka Rebellion digger, John Joseph, who died in 1858 and was buried in an unmarked grave in Bendigo cemetery.
“His story is one for our time too as we face this history. We can ask ourselves who is missing from today’s narrative and what is our responsibility to make sure they are included.” — Ambassador Kennedy said.
Melbourne filmmaker Santilla Chingaipe unveiled a plaque and said “The triumph of his legacy is that on days like today, we can correct the historical record to say that John Joseph was treated unjustly and his life should be understood within the context of the times that he lived in. While it doesn’t change the circumstances of his experiences while he was living, it’s my hope that this ceremony enables his spirit to rest easy.”
US Consul General Kathleen Lively commented: “This ceremony is the culmination of that long overdue recognition. In the United States, February is Black History Month, and we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate Black Americans and their contributions to both the U.S. and Australia than this.”
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Eureka Anniversary Commemoration News 