4 BOOKS TO READ DURING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Black Consciousness Month is a great motivator to seek a better understanding of structural racism in Brazil. The date aims to stimulate reflection on the racial struggle, the pursuit of equality, and the importance of African people and culture in the country, topics that need to be debated daily, not just in November.

Black Consciousness Day is celebrated on November 20th, commemorating the death of Zumbi dos Palmares, one of the leaders of the Quilombo dos Palmares' resistance against Portuguese attacks in the 17th century. Considering the date of the signing of the Lei Áurea (May 13th), when slavery in Brazil was abolished, activists questioned the legitimacy of the date, as the black population received no government support or assistance to access rights such as education, work, and land.

Thus, we have selected four essential works to deepen understanding of racism, African culture, and the pursuit of equality. To make your reading experience even richer, try experiencing the aroma of Sicilian lemon essential oil. It will help increase concentration and clarify ideas, providing a conducive environment for reflection.

1 - Torto Arado, by Itamar Vieira Júnior

Winner of the Leya (2018), Jabuti (2020), and Oceanos (2020) awards, the book tells the story of sisters Bibiana and Belonísia, who live in the interior of Bahia, on the Fazenda Água Negra. During their childhood, an accident occurred that made them more connected, to the point where one needed to be the voice of the other. The work is divided into three parts and addresses topics such as slave labor, religion, beliefs, violence, and droughts.

2 - Na Minha Pele, by Lázaro Ramos

Divided into 11 parts, the work addresses racism in cultural circles and daily life. Based on Lázaro's childhood and adolescence accounts, it tells his own experiences as a black actor in Brazil.

3 - The Vanishing Half, by Britt Bennett

Set between the 1950s and 1990s in the United States, the work tells the story of the Vignes twin sisters, who decided to run away from home at 16. After more than a decade, only one returns home, bringing a child with her. The author addresses themes such as colorism, transphobia, racism, and domestic violence.

4 - Reimagined African Fables and Legends

This book presents 13 fictional stories that reimagine tales with African roots. The authors re-envision the fables and legends to establish a greater dialogue with contemporary times. By supporting the project, there is a possibility of receiving a bookmark and an eco-bag.