Episode #4 - Henry Purcell - A LIMINAL SPACE

EPISODE #4 – HENRY PURCELL

Henry Purcell is an Aboriginal Australian, who was given up for adoption as a baby, and raised by non-Aboriginal parents.

Today he works in child protection, working for the same Aboriginal-controlled organisation that facilitated his own adoption.

Henry is also an activist and DJ, performing under the name DJ fosters.

He hosts his own radio show, and uses music as a way to bring people together, share messages, raise issues, and improve emotional health and wellbeing.

In this discussion, Henry opens up to reveal his own incredible personal journey towards reconciliation – it’s a fascinating story, told in an intimate way, and I’m proud to be able to be able to share it with you.

KEY POINTS DISCUSSED IN THIS CONVERSATION:

– Henry’s personal story of being given up for adoption as a baby, and being raised by non-Aboriginal parents, alongside two other adopted Aboriginal children.

– Issues related to Aboriginal identity and the importance of being connected to culture and community.

– The importance of role models, and being inspired by comedians, musicians and other artists in fighting for a more equitable world, and using your platform to fight for change.

– Using music as a way to bring people together, and create safe spaces to raise important issues, have important discussions, and improve emotional health and wellbeing.

– Henry’s personal experiences of the Black Lives Matter demonstrations, and the personal toll that this took on him, including his own lived experiences of racism.

– The devastating effects of transgenerational trauma, and the ways that Henry and his wife are actively breaking this chain to ensure that this doesn’t continue with his own child.

This discussion was recorded on Thursday 23rd July, 2020

LINKS:

DJ Fosters – Facebook

DJ Fosters – Soundcloud

VACCA (The Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency)

YOU CAN ALSO LISTEN TO THE AUDIO-ONLY VERSION OF THIS PODCAST EPISODE.