On the morning of Tuesday 19 November, the eve of Black Awareness Day (celebrated throughout the country on 20 November), students from the three educational sectors of the city of Redenção gathered to praise black culture and say no to racism, xenophobia and oppression. The First Antiracist March took place as a result of the collaboration between the Escola de Ensino em Tempor Integral Doutor Brunilo Jacó, the VII Sociological Week of the Unilab and cultural groups from Redenção and also from neighboring municipalities, such as Capoeira Camuá.
The March started at 7.30 in the morning from the Brunilo Jacó college, bringing together a large mass of high school students organized into thematic sections. The high school students’ posters referenced great black inventors, artists and celebrities, such as Garrett Morgan and Chucky Berry. There were also covers of books such as “Black history of things – 50 scientific-technological inventions of blacks”, by Bárbara Carine Soares Pinheiro.
Arriving at the Campus from Liberdade, the procession found the students and teachers of Unilab concentrated
Alassam Baldé, a Guinean student, said that the organization of the march was very well coordinated between the educational institutions involved and the 7th Week of Sociology Course, a degree course he is currently studying at Unilab. In his words, he says that black consciousness means accepting blacks in their full rights: “I am African, I am Guinean, I don’t speak like Brazilians, I speak about my reality. There is a lot of inequality in our service in the field of healthcare equipment and trade, for example (…) As sociology students, we are interested in studying different social realities.”
Crossing the CE 060, in front of the statue of the Nude Negra, the Guinean student Esperança Sacanala holds a sign in her hand that says: “What stories do our monuments tell?”
The march continued passing through Praça do Obelisco, where a capoeira club also took place, and ending in Praça da Matriz, with more student performances and speeches of protest and celebration. For student Katchu Preto, a Guinean studying anthropology at Unilab, “Today, as Black Consciousness Day, is not just a day to fight, but a day to celebrate the results of the struggles. Because we fight against racism every day!”, he adds.
What strategies can educational institutions implement to promote antiracism among students?
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Dr. Maria Souza, Antiracism Expert
Editor: Good morning, Dr. Maria Souza! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. Recently, Redenção hosted its First Antiracist March in honor of Black Awareness Day. Can you share your thoughts on the significance of this event?
Dr. Souza: Good morning! Thank you for having me. The First Antiracist March is a vital step toward recognizing and celebrating black culture. By bringing together students and community members to stand against racism, xenophobia, and oppression, this event highlights the importance of solidarity in the fight for equality and justice.
Editor: Absolutely. It’s impressive that such a large gathering occurred just before Black Awareness Day. What do you think the role of educational institutions is in fostering awareness and cultural appreciation among students?
Dr. Souza: Educational institutions play a crucial role in shaping young minds. When schools actively promote discussions about black history and culture, as we saw with the Brunilo Jacó college’s involvement, they create an environment where students can appreciate diversity. This not only informs their understanding of history but also empowers them to challenge racial stereotypes and injustices.
Editor: During the march, students showcased various themes, including references to notable black figures and educational resources. Why is it important to highlight historical figures like Garrett Morgan and Chuck Berry, as well as the work of authors like Bárbara Carine Soares Pinheiro?
Dr. Souza: Highlighting historical figures is essential because it educates students about the contributions that black individuals have made to society across multiple fields. Celebrating inventors, artists, and intellectuals broadens perspectives and reinforces the idea that black history is an integral part of our collective history. Books like “Black history of things” provide a foundation for understanding these contributions and can inspire future generations.
Editor: We’ve seen that public demonstrations and marches can serve as powerful platforms for advocacy. In your opinion, what impact do events like the Antiracist March have on community cohesion and activism?
Dr. Souza: Events like the Antiracist March foster a sense of community and shared purpose. They build bridges among diverse groups and activate collective consciousness about social injustices. By participating in such events, individuals feel empowered to advocate for change, whether it’s on a local or national level. It transforms passive awareness into active engagement.
Editor: It sounds like a promising and unifying initiative for Redenção. As we look forward, what steps can communities take to continue this momentum and ensure that discussions about race remain active and impactful throughout the year?
Dr. Souza: Continuous dialog is key. Communities can organize workshops, educational programs, and cultural events that celebrate diversity year-round. Additionally, partnering with local organizations to provide resources for anti-racist education can further develop this momentum. It’s vital to engage not only during events like the march but to integrate these discussions into everyday life.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Souza. Your insights into the importance of cultural appreciation and education in combating racism are invaluable. We look forward to seeing how events like the Antiracist March continue to influence community engagement and awareness.
Dr. Souza: Thank you for having me! I hope to see even more initiatives like this across the country. Keep spreading the word!