Overcoming segregation, discrimination, personal hardship and political betrayal Nyunggai Warren Mundine tells it all in black and white. Warren’s raw, intimate success story shines a bright and inspiring light showing there is no limit to what you can achieve. His curriculum vitae runs into pages of honours, appointments and awards. So it’s extraordinary to consider that, as an Aboriginal boy in the 1950s, he was a second-class citizen, born into a world of segregation and discrimination that few Australians today are truly aware of.
From the poverty of a family living in a tent beside a river, to the depths of depression and an attempted suicide, to the heights of political power as National President of the Australian Labor Party and advisor to five prime ministers, both Labor and Liberal, this is a stirring story of an Indigenous family woven into the very fabric of Australia and its politics.Arguably the most controversial and influential of all Aboriginal leaders, Warren challenges conventional wisdom.
One of eleven children in a poor Catholic family, Warren has been on a remarkable journey, from his early life in country NSW, with only one pair of shoes and a single bed shared with three of his brothers, to today where he frequents the highest echelons of power and business. Once an outsider, now an insider, Warren is regarded by many as one of Australia’s national treasures. Warren is one of the most significant and engaging personalities in today’s political spectrum. He offers an insider’s perspective on behind-the-scenes betrayals during his time as advisor to five prime ministers, with startling reveals, exclusive insights and a controversial take on the differences between Liberal and Labor.
His memoir, an optimistic and inspirational tale, speaks to a changing Australia, answering a big question on everyone’s minds: what’s next? Warren Mundine in Black + White is the book that makes you proud to be Australian.
Booktopia Review:This book caught me by surprise. The stories Warren Mundine tells of his parents and grandparents, of his own childhood and his brothers and sisters are very interesting. It is very clear that Mundine’s life itself informs his ideas – whether they be moral, intellectual or political. He is not an academic, but someone who must experience the world for himself first hand. This book is well worth your time. A very well written and thought provoking read. John Purcell
About the Author
For his entire life, Warren has been fighting racism and discrimination. He is one of Australia s most recognised, respected and revered activists and agents for improving his people s standing. Arguably, no other Aboriginal leader has risen as high in public esteem.Warren has been an adviser to prime ministers and senior business figures, even billionaires, an opinion writer for Australia s top broadsheets and opinion magazines and a highly sought-after public speaker and media identity. His analysis and foresight on Indigenous affairs and Australian politics is without parallel.
In politics, Warren rose to become the National President of the Australian Labor Party. He was appointed to Indigenous advisory bodies under two Labor and three Liberal prime ministers and, most recently, he chaired the Prime Minister s Indigenous Advisory Council from 2013 to 2016. Warren’s vision for Australia and for its First Nations is one of pride, prosperity and optimism. pp. xiii, 512+ illusts #0118