In November, Sussuarana, a neighborhood on the periphery of Salvador (in the state of Bahia), was the stage for an “Afro-culture Project” and the “22nd Black Consciousness March in Sussuarana”, both supported by the Ecumenical Coordination of Service (Coordenadoria Ecumênica de Serviço: CESE). These initiatives aimed to revive Afro-Brazilian roots and strengthen community bonds.
“Our main goal is to strengthen our identity, preserve Afro-Brazilian culture and create spaces where communities can recognize and value themselves. We want our children and young people to realize that their roots are rich, powerful and full of history,” explained Antonia Elita Santos, President of the Franco Pellegrini Centre for Human Rights (Centro de Direitos Humanos Franco Pellegrini: CEDHU) and one of the project organizers.
Antonia noted that this was the first year of the Afro-culture Project, which ran workshops in black aesthetics, Afro dance, percussion and capoeira, all combined with training in human rights and racial equality for the community, especially young people. More than 130 people registered for the training cycle, which ended with an Afro-cultural Night, bringing together an audience of around 150 people, with performances by various local artists. For Antonia, initiatives such as these demonstrate what the neighborhood has to offer: lively and talented young people.