Black and White, Deadly Australian Stories is a collaborative, modern history project between dozens of Australians and Philippa O’Donnell as an independent producer.
We acknowledge the traditional owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters, and culture. We pay our respects to all Elders – past, present and emerging.
Black and White is a means of continuing to help inform the national conversation as life evolves and changes for white and black Australians. Each tale tells a story of convergence; unlikely meetings, relationships between people and cultures as they come together, enriching each other’s lives. The stories, featuring people from all States and Territories, highlight modern encounters between black and white Australians over the last five decades. Black and White ties in perfectly with Australia’s national agenda as this project enhances knowledge, preserves history for future generations, and increases appreciation and understanding of reconciliation.
Our storytellers speak in their own words (sometimes in native language) telling positive stories, not because they’re wearing rose-coloured glasses, but because there are so many positive stories to be told. Throughout Australia there are people from different cultures, backgrounds, and lifestyles working together to create a better place.
Black and White is a catalyst for acknowledging our entwined histories, as it helps us all understand and appreciate the continuing legacies of these encounters. Eventually, it will be a catalogue of positive Australian stories about white and black Australians working together as the cultures converge.