This November 20th, Black Awareness Day is celebrated, so we have put together a list of titles from Globo Livros that broaden our understanding and make us aware of the intense daily struggle faced by black people in Brazil. This date is a day of resistance and should be understood as such. We need, as a society, to move forward in the fight against discrimination and prejudice. May this important date inspire us to value diversity and better understand the past to build a fairer future. Check out some reading suggestions below:
The Black History Book:
Written in simple and accessible language, The Book of Black History is richly composed of infographics, illustrations and attractive texts. The work is fundamental and engaging both for those curious about the subject and for the most enthusiastic students. The title is part of the best-selling collection The Great Ideas of All Time, which has more than 20 titles published by Globo Livros and subjects as diverse as philosophy, mythology, psychology, economics, sociology and history, among many others.
The Black History Book explores the rich and complex history of the peoples of Africa and the African diaspora, and the struggles and victories of black people around the world, and provides concise, clear explanations of important events and cultural milestones. It brings to light stories that are often ignored and is filled with memorable quotes from great characters, strong illustrations, and educational infographics that detail complex concepts.
The sneaker that changed my world:
Born in the suburbs of Rio, Ingrid Silva is today in one of the biggest positions in world ballet. At the age of 8, still a girl, she got a place in a social project that takes ballet classes to needy communities in Rio de Janeiro and has never stopped dancing since. Upon joining the Dance Theater of Harlem, Ingrid was faced with another big problem: the color of her shoes. As ballet was born in Europe and was predominantly created by white people, pink ballet shoes have always been adopted as a standard. Ingrid spent eleven years painting her own shoes until she got sneakers made in the color of her skin. A year after the structural transformation it caused, a pair of the sneakers that Ingrid painted became a piece in the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, in the United States.
Throughout her career, Ingrid overcame obstacles, suffered prejudice and narrates in “The sneaker that changed my world” her entire journey so far.
The ballerina who painted her shoes:
In “The ballerina who painted her shoes”, Ingrid Silva brings a text full of affection and representation. She shares her ballet history with her little readers, from her childhood in the Rio suburbs to her experience at the Dance Theater of Harlem, in New York, when she became known worldwide. Ingrid tells how she faced racial and social prejudice and inspires children to discover themselves through her journey.
The author also explains why she spent years painting her shoes in the color of her skin: “Ballet shoes were created with only light-skinned people in mind, hence that pink tone. For me, it had to match my skin tone. So, I started painting the sneakers brown, as I couldn’t find a pair of that color to buy anywhere.” The book also has a glossary and transmits important values to children, highlighting respect for the diversity of people of different colors, bodies, genders and heights in the world of dance – and in society. Furthermore, it encourages them to be whatever they want and not to give up on their dreams.
My path to chair number 1:
Obtaining a board position is something far away for the majority of the population. Imagine, then, when you are a woman, black and peripheral. The youngest in a family of seven siblings, Rachel Maia studied at public school all her life and shared a room in the house with all her sisters. “My father taught me that studies and preparation are fundamental. My mother showed me that courage and sensitivity would take me far.”
In “My path to chair number 1”, the respected executive tells how she built a successful career in important global companies, such as Tiffany & Co., Pandora and Lacoste. In addition to sharing her life story, education and beliefs about the job market, diversity and self-confidence with readers.
Black box:
Luiza Brasil, creator of the Mequetrefismos platform and columnist for Glamor magazine, launches her debut work: “Caixa Preta”. With powerful and very affectionate writing, Luiza was inspired by her column in Glamor to present to the reader several very important themes that embrace her experiences regarding identity and protagonism and that, certainly, go beyond her vast experience in the area of fashion.
Through fashion, Luiza connected with her own ancestry and brought out her creativity. Also through it, she discovered how her image and her intellect can constitute powerful political tools. “Caixa Preta” is, certainly, a book made with the aim of spreading the importance of representation and belonging, as well as respect for multiple identities.
Slavery Trilogy:
With thorough research, Laurentino Gomes takes us on a journey through the three centuries of slavery in Brazil, going through history from the first auction of captives in Portugal to the Golden Law, revealing the horrors and violence committed against black Africans and their descendants . Furthermore, the work provides a complete approach to the country’s culture, politics and economy during this period.
The “Slavery” trilogy is an invitation to expand our knowledge about the history of Brazil and reflect on the racial issues that still permeate our society.
Slavery – illustrated youth edition:
Studying the period of slavery in Brazil is essential to understanding our country today. This is the objective of the illustrated youth edition of “Escravidão”, the trilogy by Laurentino Gomes, adapted especially for young audiences by writer Luiz Antonio Aguiar.
The largest slave territory in the Western Hemisphere, Brazil received around 5 million African captives. All the basic functions that fueled the economy until the end of the 19th century were performed by enslaved women and men. They were sold at public auctions, worked under the threat of the whip and had an extremely low life expectancy.
Although officially abolished by the Lei Áurea of 1888, slavery left a legacy that remains to this day like a barely healed wound. The last country in America to abolish slavery, Brazil abandoned former slaves and their descendants to their fate. Without access to education, housing, health, income and decent living conditions, the Afro-descendant population continues to be marginalized, victims of racism and, often, exploited under disguised forms of forced and poorly paid work. Slavery is proof that history is not just a thing of the past, but is still alive among us.
