"Speaking Out" from a Melbourne School

Despite record rainfalls and fierce winds a large crowd made it way to Williamstown High School recently for a fundraising event.

``Baldwin’’, organized by the 2017 Australian Indigenous Youth Parliament Prime Minister Aretha Brown was a night of spoken word, hip hop, acoustic guitars and a punk band to finish the event.

The evening benefit was named after famed American black philosopher, writer, poet and civil right activist, James Baldwin.

Proceedings kicked off when local indigenous Wangaul United Cultural Dance troupe did a number of dances and acknowledged traditional owners.

The night then featured a United Nations of passionate performers who came from Sudan, Samoa, Chile, Kenya, Australia, Somalia, New Zealand and Asia.

Organizer Aretha Brown told the audience ``Tonight our spoken word artists are unrestricted in their words, uncensored in their thoughts and free to speak their minds.

``They will discuss issues that affect young people today and on issues that transcends time. Mental health, racism, substance abuse, sexuality, gender identity and just growing up,’’ she said.

``An event run by young people, for young people to help other young people."

Also in attendance was our ambassador and best-selling children’s author Andy Griffiths whose daughter Sarah attends Williamstown High School who also helped organise the event.

All proceeds from the event will be donated to our Foundation. Thank you to Aretha, Sarah and Williamstown High School.

• Posted 14 December, 2017