An Indigenous woman has made a desperate plea for change after her shattered nephew was reduced to tears because of racist taunts he received from his own teammates at footy training.
Heartbreaking footage of nine-year-old junior Jarmiles in tears was posted earlier this month by his aunt Shaylee Matthews, who took to her LinkedIn page to make a stand.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Young Indigenous boy in tears over constant racism.
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“I hate it when you call me black,” the boy says while crying in the video, published with permission from the family.
“I hate when you call me monkey. It’s got to stop.”
Matthews, who works for the ACT government, said Jarmiles’ example is representative of a theme that continues to dog First Nations youth.
“This post and videos shared is of my nine, soon to be 10-year-old nephew’s experience at AFL training (playing a game he loves) which highlights the harsh reality of racism that persists in our society, especially during National Reconciliation Week (with the theme being Now More Than Ever),” she wrote on the video post.
“It’s a call to action for us all to confront privilege, challenge learned racism, and dismantle the systemic issues that perpetuate injustice for Indigenous youth.
“The hurtful comments and behaviours faced by Jarmiles not only reflect individual ignorance but also contribute to larger systemic inequalities.”
The proud Anawain Gamilaroi woman says it’s part of a wider systemic marginalisation of First Nations kids in particular.
“It’s crucial to recognise the intersectionality of child protection and the justice system, where retaliation often leads to unjust labeling like the ‘naughty kid brush’,” she continued.
“We must advocate for change, demand accountability, and ensure that all children, regardless of their background, are treated with dignity and respect.
“By standing in solidarity, raising our voices, and actively working towards a more just and inclusive society, we can create a future where every child feels safe, valued, and supported.
“Let’s turn this moment of pain into a catalyst for meaningful change and a brighter tomorrow for all our children. As we leave our footprints of today for the children of tomorrow to walk in. Who is with me?”
Matthews and her nephew Jarmiles received a flood of support from people in the comments.
“This is just heartbreaking — yet unfortunately all too familiar,” Reece Craigie said.
“I’m am so sorry you have/had to go through this young warrior. These things bloody hurt! Don’t let these words and actions stop you from loving your footy, keep showing up, keep working hard because they want you to be hurt and they want you to not show up, go prove em wrong!
“There’s no doubt your family, friends and loved ones love you — they’ve got you and will get this sorted.”
Jacqueline Gilchrist added: “You are 100 per cent right bub. This needs to stop. You are a beautiful human playing a sport you love. No one can take that away from you.
“No, I’m not an Aboriginal woman, but I was born and grew up in Western Australia, and you know what? They called me the same things at school when I was your age. What does that tell me? It’s pure ignorance and small mindedness. Something you are clearly not.
“Keep being you and wear your colour and your culture with so much pride. I see you. I hear you. You are valued.”
In March, the AFL world was mortified by a disgusting video posted on Instagram by Eddie Betts.
Betts, a retired and much-loved champion who played for Carlton and Adelaide, published CCTV footage of his children playing basketball as a car slowly drove past the private court.
Then, in what is clear audio, someone from the car repeatedly shouted a vile, racist word attack towards the innocent kids.
Betts — who was a strong voice against racism during his playing days and continues to be — was heartbroken by the incident.
“Aboriginal kids deserve to be able to play safely, free from racism and abuse over the fence,” he wrote.
“We are not even safe in our own homes. If you know who this is, please let me them know that I’m open to having a chat about how much this hurts our kids 💔.”