Radical Cross Stitch

Pip at Meet Me At Mikes has got this little thing going on at the mo where you pick your favourite year and then flickr it. (I think she’s determined to be a prophet to all the procrastinators in the world..)

Given that it’s my birthday this weekend I thought what the hey and flickrd my birth year 1979. It was mildly interesting. And then I thought a-ha! And searched 1979 protest and came up with some amazing images I have to share with you all.

1979 was a big year for Gay Pride marches, there’s some stunning photos but none more than Brian from Boston. Brian, you are a legend.

1979 was also a big year for anti-nuclear activism. This stunning black and white shot is from the Black Fox Nuclear Protest and shows the strength that the movement continues to be known for.

Of course 1979 will always be remembered in Iranian history and there was some pretty unreal protest action around the world both in support and against the Iranian Revolution. Here’s some spectacular images from those times.

03 Jan 1979, Los Angeles, California, USA Iranian Refugees Protest the Visit of Iranian Shah.

Iranian Hostage Crisis Demonstration by Marion S. Trikosko, 1979

The poet, short story writer and activist for peace and justice, Grace Paley, died at home on August 22, 2007, at the age of 84.

Grace Paley (left with megaphone) and Gloria Steinem (center), writers and feminists, lead a demonstration in NYC in support of the brave women of Iran, who risked their lives to demand their rights during the 1979 revolution.

Finally and a bit more locally, 1979 was a time of strength for the Aboriginal Land Rights movement. While the Referendum was now a bit of history and citizenship rights had been instituted, the policies of genocide and apartheid were still well and truly the norm. We still haven’t seen much change in the paternalistic policy approach of the governments of Australia. Another thing that still remains the same is the awesome solidarity actions from older non-indigenous women. Like these lovely ladies in Brisbane on May Day in 1979.

Always was, always will be, Aboriginal Land!