HAROLD BLAIR SINGS FOR MARJORIE LAWRENCE

Harold Blair, who was born on the Aboriginal settlement at Cherbourg in 1924 and brought up on Purga Mission near Ipswich, sang at the Lennon Hotel in Brisbane on Sept 29th 1944, for the renowned Marjorie Jackson. Following the audition Miss Lawrence was reported to say “You’ve got a fine tenor voice and a natural musical instinct. If you work hard you can become one of the greatest ambassadors for your race. You can do more than politicians or fine speeches. Work hard. You’ve got it in you to succeed!”.

From reportedly being illiterate at 18 year old, Harold Blair became an outstanding tenor who sang fluently in five languages and performed on the stage in many different countries including America, England, France, Sweden, Switzerland and Denmark.

Among his many fine achievements was his unyielding struggle in the fight for justice for his people.

Years later, in 1997, Harold’s daughter Nerida took up an academic appointment at Newcastle University in the Umulliko Research Centre. Nerida, like her father, has actively pursued justice for her people, having not only worked in Indigenous Australian education programs but also in the Human Rights Commission.

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