If someone would have told me that I would be writing this piece in my cosy apartment, in the middle of a pandemic, a global anti-racism crisis, away from my family in the US, while working to advance Indigenous education in Australia, as an African American woman, I would have said, “F*&k Off”.
However here we are……
Who knew the eldest female of 7 would fly the coup at 17 yrs and gravitate towards organisations that have a social justice or equity focus. To be honest, I had no clue but what I did know was….. from an early age, I embraced the notion that “What happens to us, happens for us”.
Indeed, I have gone through my share of trials and tribulations, not just because I am Black, but because I was born for this shit so bring it on!!
Whether it be the end of a relationship, a job I didn’t get, arriving late to an important event, a wardrobe malfunction or being at the wrong place at the right time, the universe put these challenges in my way to keep me on track with my destiny.
For example, in 2008, I arrived in Sydney with my ex-husband, full of hope and excitement about our new life in Australia. Little did I know, he was just the vessel to get me here. After settling in a bit, I flipped on the TV to watch what I thought was a funny soap opera but it turned out to be the Australian Parliament proceedings. It was the first time I have ever saw politicians publicly insulting and speaking over each other on TV. I also noticed that there weren’t any people of colour or Indigenous Australian represented. I started researching how many First Nations people are in decision making positions across industries. I discovered the number was dismal. I found it interesting that Indigenous post colonialism experience was similar to that of African Americans.
I discovered our historical connection via Jack Johnson, an African American boxer who came to Australia, fought and beat a white boxer, Tommy Burns. The bout had huge racial implications and as a result changed the narrative for many first nations people and started a movement for change. I knew I couldn’t exist or sleep at night without utilising my gifts to create change for, and with my Indigenous Bruthas and Sistahs.
I am passionate about higher education because I believe achieving a degree will create greater access to jobs and decision-making positions. As Executive Manager of Engagement in the Office of the Pro-Vice Chancellor of Indigenous Leadership and Engagement at UTS, I raise major gifts and partnerships that create opportunities and pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to achieve higher education. Prior to the creation of my role in 2015, less than $500k was raised in 25 years toward Indigenous education and research. Since then, between 2015-2020, over $8 Mil has been raised collectively. Currently I am working to raise funds for Australia’s first Indigenous Residential College (IRC). The concept was born from a conversation I had with my boss about my experience living in a historically Black residential college in the US. The pride, identity and culture I felt living in the W.E.B Du Bois House at UPENN, solidified my commitment to being a change agent. The IRC will create a 250 bed, purpose built, Indigenous lead facility on the UTS campus. It will be occupied mainly by Indigenous Australians but space will be afforded for other people.
This IS my legacy project and my WHY. Check out the IRC project here https://www.uts.edu.au/partners-and-community/initiatives/indigenous-residential-college
Brigitte is the Executive Manager, Engagement; Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Leadership & Engagement) at the University of Technology Sydney. You can connect with her via Linkedin or email brigette.sancho@uts.edu.au