Scan barcode
A review by brookesbookstagram
Black and Blue: a memoir of racism and resilience by Veronica Gorrie
5.0
TW: racism, sexual abuse, family violence, alcohol abuse, bullying.
A proud Kurnai woman, Veronica Gorrie grew up dauntless, full of cheek and a fierce sense of justice. After watching her friends and family suffer under a deeply compromised law-enforcement system, Gorrie signed up for training to become one of a rare few Aboriginal police officers in Australia. In her ten years in the force, she witnessed appalling institutional racism and sexism, and fought past those things to provide courageous and compassionate service to civilians in need, many Aboriginal themselves.
This incredible and deeply moving book is separated into two sections, black - which details Veronica's life, and blue - her experiences whilst being a police officer with Queensland Police. Both equally harrowing, confronting and absolutely unacceptable. First Nations people are affected daily by the atrocities of colonisation, and will continue to suffer if change, REAL change does not occur. Intergenerational trauma WILL continue to occur for several generations as we still have stolen generations among us.
This is a powerful book, a storytelling book, a vulnerable and admirable book of Veronica's life.
Thank you for allowing us to share your pain, to help you heal, to make others understand.
A proud Kurnai woman, Veronica Gorrie grew up dauntless, full of cheek and a fierce sense of justice. After watching her friends and family suffer under a deeply compromised law-enforcement system, Gorrie signed up for training to become one of a rare few Aboriginal police officers in Australia. In her ten years in the force, she witnessed appalling institutional racism and sexism, and fought past those things to provide courageous and compassionate service to civilians in need, many Aboriginal themselves.
This incredible and deeply moving book is separated into two sections, black - which details Veronica's life, and blue - her experiences whilst being a police officer with Queensland Police. Both equally harrowing, confronting and absolutely unacceptable. First Nations people are affected daily by the atrocities of colonisation, and will continue to suffer if change, REAL change does not occur. Intergenerational trauma WILL continue to occur for several generations as we still have stolen generations among us.
This is a powerful book, a storytelling book, a vulnerable and admirable book of Veronica's life.
Thank you for allowing us to share your pain, to help you heal, to make others understand.