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Cry of Love (Poems by Kevin John Gilbert), 1970
Typescript on
machine made paper
ML MSS 2429
70s Politics
The 1970’s were a time of great promise for Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people. The 1967 Referendum and a sympathetic federal government led
by the forward thinking Gough Whitlam created an atmosphere of
self-determination that Kevin embraced with great gusto. He was involved in not
only artists and writing co-operatives but with the burgeoning Aboriginal
political and land rights activism scene.
Biography
Activist and artist Kevin Gilbert (1933–1993) was born in Condobolin and
orphaned by the age of seven. He spent the rest of his childhood and early
teens living with relatives or in orphanages throughout NSW until he returned
to Condobolin to make a living fruit picking, burr cutting and general station
work. He had very little formal education.
“Then I married a European girl. We had 2 children. There were fights and poverty and jealousy. It ultimately led to a brawl in the middle of the night alongside some country road. I was pissed, she was tired and despairing and grabbed a rifle …”
Gilbert, Kevin (1977) Living Black: Blacks talk to Kevin Gilbert. Penguin Books. Page 243.
He was sentenced to life and moved from jail to jail. In each institution Kevin spent his time obtaining the formal education that eluded him in his youth. He also fostered his artistic talent for writing and lino-printing. By the time of his release in 1971 he was a celebrated playwright and artist.