On November 20th, the streets of Salvador Bahia in Brazil were bouncing with cultural celebrations as the city commemorated Black Consciousness Day. This annual holiday not only honors the legacy of Afro-Brazilians but is beginning to serve as a nexus for diverse Black events, such as AfroPunk Bahia 2023 and the Black Feminist Taught Me Campaign, where cultures converge and thrive.
Salvador Bahia has become a magnet for African-American social and cultural movements, resulting in a dynamic exchange of ideas and traditions. Entrepreneurs and artists can find a welcoming space in Bahia, contributing to its majority Black cultural landscape.
This trend signifies a deeper connection between African American and Afro-Brazilian communities, forging stronger bonds rooted in shared experiences and aspirations.
Among the highlights of this year’s festivities was the historic performance of Victoria Monet, marking her debut in Brazil.
Monet’s electrifying and soulful performance captivated audiences, symbolizing the cultural bridge between the Black communities in the United States and Brazil.
Her participation also exemplifies the significance of cultural exchange and solidarity on platforms like Afropunk Bahia by uniting people through music and art.
Black Feminists Taught Me: Salvador
An integral part of the celebrations were the events organized by organizations, Black Women Radicals and Atlantic Archives.
Black Feminists Taught Me is a t-shirt capsule and collaboration that pays homage to Black women and gender expansive people who inspire us, touch our lives, shape our politics and teach us–in a myriad of ways–about life, love, leadership, and legacy. The project honors Black feminists through the power of visual documentation to ensure that their voices, experiences, and memories are seen, known and heard.
A collaboration between Black Women Radicals, a globally recognized Black feminist advocacy organization, and Philadelphia PrintWorks, a U.S.-based independent clothing brand inspired by past and present social justice movements, the fourth iteration of the collection is in partnership with Atlantic Archives-an initiative based in Salvador da Bahia that helps grassroots groups in Brazil to create community-driven heritage projects and connects them with a diverse, international network.
Previous collaborations in the Black Feminists Taught Me campaign have highlighted the work of Black feminists in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Baltimore, Maryland; and New York City.
This collaboration centers the perspectives of Black women, transgender, and queer artists, educators, and scholars who offer critical insights on what it means to live, thrive, resist, and survive in the Black diaspora.
History of Black Consciousness Day
The Black Consciousness Day in Brazil celebrated on November 20th, is a pivotal occasion that honors Afro-Brazilian heritage, acknowledges the struggles against slavery, and commemorates the resilience of the black community. At the heart of this holiday is the homage paid to Zumbi dos Palmares, a key figure in Brazil’s history.
Zumbi dos Palmares, born in 1655, is revered for his leadership and resistance against slavery during the colonial period.
Palmares was a prominent figure in Quilombo dos Palmares, one of the largest communities of escaped slaves called “quilombos,” established in the northeastern region of Brazil. The quilombos served as strongholds for escaped slaves seeking freedom from the brutalities of slavery.
Black Consciousness Day, initially instituted in 1971, was established to coincide with the date of Zumbi dos Palmares’ death on November 20, 1695. This day was not only designated to honor Zumbi’s legacy but also to celebrate the contributions of Afro-Brazilians to the nation’s history, culture and society. It is a poignant reminder of the intertwined histories between Afro-Brazilians and African Americans. It celebrates their resilience, creativity and unwavering spirit in the face of adversity. This holiday serves not only as a commemoration but also a call to action for solidarity amongst communities across continents.
.
