Jesinta Franklin says she knows her kids will face racism in new interview

Jesinta Franklin is sadly resigned to the fact her children will face racism because of the colour of their skin.

Jesinta Franklin is sadly resigned to the fact her children will face racism because of the colour of their skin.

The model mum-of-two is determined to use her voice to ensure her kids know their heritage and connection to land.

“I know I’m not always going to say the right thing, but we can’t let the fear of asking the wrong questions stop us from having conversations,” Franklin tells the latest issue of Marie Claire Australia magazine, in stores on Thursday.

“If you get something wrong, admit it, apologise and actively do better.”

Jesinta Franklin with her two children in the August issue of Marie Claire Australia. Picture: Georges Antoni for Marie Claire Australia

Franklin and Sydney Swans AFL star husband Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin are parents to daughter Tullulah, 17 months, and four-month-old son, Rocky.

Buddy is a proud Noongar man who grew up in Dowerin, Western Australia, and the couple are determined for the children to learn about their indigenous heritage.

“I’ve never been judged for the colour of my skin, my culture, where I was born or who my parents are. It’s not my lived experience, but it is Buddy’s and his mum’s and sisters’,” 29-year-old Jesinta said.

“Obviously, I’m guided by Buddy but I’ve also taken the initiative to educate myself so I can be the best mum to our First Nations babies and the best ally I can be.

“I feel like I have a big responsibility to ensure my kids can connect to culture and can continue to share their history and be the storytellers for the next generation.”

She continued: “As parents, we’re trying to raise Lulu and Rocky to be resilient and to stand up for themselves. It’s heartbreaking to know they will face prejudice and racism at some stage in their lives — it’s not about if, it’s about when — but they’ll know

that kind of behaviour isn’t OK.”

Jesinta Franklin in Marie Claire Australia magazine.

Jesinta Franklin on the cover of Marie Claire Australia’s August issue.

Due to Covid-19 border closures, Buddy’s mum Ursula met Tullulah for the first time earlier this year for her first birthday.

The couple read the kids indigenous stories and teach them Noongar language.

They will spending Christmas in Western Australia and are planning a Welcome to Country and naming ceremony for the children with family there.

“We’ll bury their umbilical cords to connect their spirit to the earth,” Franklin explained, wearing indigenous label MAARA Collective on the cover of the magazine.

“I think it will be really special – and probably very emotional.”

On the political front, Franklin used the platform to highlight the concerning issue of indigenous life expectancy and suicide rates as well as the fact indigenous Australians are imprisoned at the highest rate of any people in the world.

“It’s not humane what we are doing here,” she said.

Buddy Franklin with baby son, Rocky.

Jesinta Franklin in the August issue of Marie Claire.

“As a nation, we need to do better to stop the cycle of incarceration. Research shows if you enter the system as a child, you will likely enter it again as an adult.

“So imprisoning kids is devastating. We’ve said sorry, but now we need to back it up with action: by changing the legal system, updating the constitution to recognise First Nations people and working towards real reconciliation.

“I’m not sure if reconciliation can be achieved, but to move forward, we need to commit to healing.”

Looking to the future for her children, Franklin said she hopes for a time when they are not judged or more likely to go to jail because of the colour of their skin.

“I hope that the future is bright for them, that they can be themselves truly and fully, and that they’re kind to others,” she says, pausing for thought.

“Honestly, I just hope they turn out OK, given how many nights we have toast with cheese on it for dinner.”

Originally published as Jesinta Franklin says she knows her kids will face racism in new interview