Afro-Australians are people of African descent who were born in or reside in Australia. The term is used by and of Australia citizens who trace their ancestry back to people who were indigenous to Sub-Saharan Africa. The majority have relatively recent origins in Africa, while some trace their lineage to the first slaves brought by British and French colonists to the mainland of North America.

African-American soldiers in Australia during World War II

When America established its Pacific supply base in Australia during World War II, Australia's Prime Minister warmly welcomed the estimated one million American servicemen and women stationed and passing through. The exception: black GIs.

Because of the racist White Australia Policy the black troops were initially forbidden to be stationed on Australian shores. Between 1942 and 1945, Australia reluctantly agreed to let African American personnel enter, as long as they were separated from the rest of the population. The US high command embraced the policy and African Americans were stationed in strictly segregated zones where they were subjected to atrocious conditions, harsh treatment, racial hatred and even murder. The 96th Battalion rioted out of sheer desperation.

In contrast to this official resistance, white Australians welcomed the black American soldiers who found they were often treated better by Australians than by their own countrymen. This acceptance infuriated some of the white soldiers and riots broke out in the streets of Brisbane between white and black American soldiers. The film is told by the American and Australian veterans who were there, now speaking sixty years after the war. The black Americans discuss growing up in a segregated society, joining a segregated army, and fighting for a freedom that they themselves did not yet possess.

See also

American Australian

Black British

African American