Cities prepare special programs for Black Awareness Day

November 20th, Black Awareness Day, was established because it marks the day when Zumbi dos Palmares, the leader of the black resistance during the Brazilian slave regime that officially lasted from 1530 to 1888, was assassinated in 1695.

The objective of the date, which was introduced nationwide in the 1970s, is to reflect on racial equality, equal rights, and the integration of marginalized majorities in several social spheres.

To celebrate this date, Neuza’s column presents some suggestions of activities that will take place in four Brazilian states on this date and in the following days.

Have fun!

São Paulo

Corrida e Caminhada pela Igualdade

Also known as Corrida e Caminhada Pela Igualdade (Equality Run and Walk), organized by Universidade Zumbi dos Palmares, it’s scheduled for the morning of November 20th, Monday, starting at 7 a.m. from Praça Heróis da FEB, Santana.

Meeting of the largest Samba school bateria in the world

Performance by 1,500 rhythmists from the most important samba schools in São Paulo, at one of the city’s main avenues, on the 19th, Sunday, at 1pm, on Av. Paulista, near Masp.

Black presence in the Construction of São Paulo

A cultural tour highlighting the work of black architects and civil engineering professionals in the construction of São Paulo, with a focus on Luz neighborhood. November 18th, 19th, 25th, and 26th

Museu da Língua Portuguesa | Praça da Luz, s/nº, Centro, Free.

Black awareness international expo

Concerts featuring renowned names in Brazilian music, an afro-entrepreneur fair, lectures, and discussions focused on combating racism. From November 18th to 21st, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Memorial da América Latina, Av. Mário de Andrade 664, Barra Funda. Free entrance.

Simonal and Sandra de Sá prom

A show produced by Wilson Simonal’s children, with a repertoire full of hits recorded by the singer between the 1960s and 1970s and a special appearance by Sandra de Sá. The 18th, at 7pm, at the Centro de Culturas Negras, R. Arsênio Tavolieri, 45, Jabaquara. Free entrance.

Salvador

Afropunk

In its third Brazilian edition, the largest black culture festival in the world brings together artists such as Carlinhos Brown, Djonga, Alcione and BaianaSystem, at the Parque de Exposições de Salvado, between November 18th and 19th.

15th Washing of the Zumbi dos Palmares Statue

Promoted by Unegro, União de Negras e Negros pela Igualdade, November 20th, 7am, at Praça da Sé.

Afrofuturismo Festival  – Year V 

The largest innovation and diversity event in Latin America, which features thematic panels, cultural presentations and afrotourism actions, takes place simultaneously in 10 spaces in the Historic Center, from November 20th to 21st, promoted by the social organization Vale do Dendê.

In the schedule for the capital of Bahia, there will also be the Meeting of the National Network of Afro-Brazilian Religions and Health from November 23rd to 25th; the Black Entrepreneurship and Crafts Fair of Bahia, and the 5th Week of Moa do Katendê, both on November 29th and 30th, and much more!

Belo Horizonte

Lecture – Protection against Racial Discrimination

The theatrical and musical presentations will be carried out around the anti-racist discussion, using black personalities who were part of the history of the fight against racism, especially in Brazil. November 22nd, Wednesday, 2pm, at Teatro Raul Belém, Rua Jauá, 80, Alípio de Melo. Limited spaces. Realization, CRAS São José. Free entrance.

Consciência em Foco 

Activities and public service of the Diretoria de Políticas de Reparação e Promoção da Igualdade Racial (DPIR), on 11/20, Monday, at Praça Sete de Setembro. Carried out by DPIR in partnership with Comissão de Verdade Sobre a Escravidão OAB- MG, Centro Cultural Thirey Ilê Odara e COMPIR.

Online Discussion

What does the Racial Equality and Reparation statute say?

11/27, Monday, from 9am to 9pm. Online activity. DPIR – Human Rights Education registration here

Rio de Janeiro

Tia Ciata procession 

It celebrates the meeting of two emblematic figures of Brazilian black culture, separated by time and united by the Cultural District of Praça Onze and by cultural and ethnic resistance: Zumbi dos Palmares and Tia Ciata. Assembly at 10 a.m. on November 20th at the Calouste Gulbenkian Arts Center, and a walk to Zumbi’s bust at Praça Onze.

Jongo da Serrinha – 60 anos

Show depicting the trajectory of this significant group, a reference in Afro-Carioca culture, showcasing the tradition of jongo with a variety of instruments and period costumes to narrate its connection with Africa and the history of jongueiros, who arrived in the hills of Rio after the liberation of the black community. Next Monday (20th), at 5:30 p.m., in the City of Arts Garden, free entry. The advance tickets are available here.

Dida’s Samba

Samba circle, from 3pm to 9pm, this Monday (20), at the Museu da História e da Cultura Afro-Brasileira (Muhcab), Rua Pedro Ernesto 80, Gamboa, free entrance.