The commemorative date is defined by law No. 12.519, on November 10, 2011. It was chosen due to the decline of the Military Dictatorship in Brazil and the country's redemocratization. The weakening of the dictatorship gave strength to opposition movements, such as the black movement, which was essential for the country to regain its democratic regime.
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More than half of the Brazilian population is black or mixed race, according to IBGE data: 9,1% of the population declares themselves black and 47% brown. That is why the date that makes us reflect on blackness is so important, because it makes us reflect on the representation that this layer of the Brazilian population has. Even though they make up more than 50% of the population, black and brown people still suffer from discrimination and structural racism.
Reproduction: Agência Brasil
Scholars claim that, for the movement to really have a positive result, Brazil needs to admit itself to being racist: a survey carried out by PowerDate in November 2020 shows that 81% of Brazilians say there is racism in Brazil because of skin color. But only 34% admit prejudice against black people.
It is clearer to see racism happen when a black person is prevented from entering a public elevator, or is searched when leaving a store, or is the victim of derogatory speech.
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But there is another facet of racism that is even more worrying and difficult to combat, which is structural racism: disadvantage compared to white people in the competition for job positions, the greater number of murders of black people, the majority of the prison population, among several other factors.
- What is structural racism? (Politicize)
According to Map of Violence (2016), of the approximately 30 thousand young people between 15 and 29 years old who die every year, 77% are black. This means that a young black man dies in Brazil every 23 minutes.
Brazil and black idols
The history of our country is full of notable black figures: Zumbi dos Palmares, Pelé, Milton Nascimento, Machado de Assis, Maria Firmino dos Reis, Djamila Ribeiro are some of these renowned names.
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There are strong black influences in our music, politics, literature, football, sport... Brazilian culture is closely linked to black culture and Afro-descendance.
A World cup This year starts at Black conscience day. A fair tribute to the black players who were largely responsible for the success of Brazilian football.
Even so, they were not free from racism. In the past and present, athletes are still victims of discriminatory acts and racial insults. The most recent case was Vinicius Jr., who faced several attacks while playing for Real Madrid in Spain.
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Celebrations on Black Consciousness Day
Several celebrations take place across Brazil this November 20th: samba circles, events with music, food and lots to celebrate.
In Rio de Janeiro, a Sandra Sá show marks the Black Consciousness Festival.
In São Paulo, several personalities from Brazil and the world meet at the International Expo of Black Consciousness, organized by the city hall to debate the topic of blackness: there will be lectures, exhibitions and a series of shows that started on Friday (18) until this Sunday night (20), at the Center Norte Exhibition Center.
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Search your city for the nearest event and celebrate this November 20th!
Curto Curatorship:
- World Cup and Black Awareness Day (Senate)
- Black population in Brazil (Power 360)
- Brazil admits to being racist (Senate)
- Black personalities (Ebiography)
