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Brazil Lula Racial Equality

Lula Enacts Measures for Racial Equality: “A Historic Redress for Years of Enslavement”

Soledad Quartucci

Lula Enacts Measures for Racial Equality: “A Historic Redress for Years of Enslavement”

“For the first time, Brazil celebrates November 20th with a Ministry of Racial Equality.”

On Black Consciousness Day, President Lula signed the second Package for Racial Equality of his government (See Measures for First Package).

Comprising 13 actions presented by Minister of Racial Equality Anielle Franco, in collaboration with ten other ministries and federal bodies, these measures address issues from combating racism in early childhood to the regularization of land for quilombola communities.

During the ceremony, President Lula emphasized that these actions represent a “historic payment for years of slavery” and called on society to hold the government accountable for the implementation of these policies. He likened the signed acts to planting a tree, stating that for them to thrive, they need the nurturing akin to public policies.

 

 

“All the acts signed today, on Black Awareness Day, are like planting a tree. For them to grow, they need to be watered, just like public policies. It is a historic payment for years of slavery. People cannot help but hold the government accountable for the racial equality policies sanctioned today,” he said.

 

 

This year’s celebration of November 20th, Black Awareness Day, is particularly significant as it marks the re-establishment of the ministry dedicated to the black, quilombola, gypsy population, and other Traditional Peoples and Communities (PCTs). Established by Law No. 10,639 in 2003, during Lula’s first term, the date is now a holiday in some states and municipalities.

Minister Anielle Franco underscored the need to ensure that differences do not perpetuate inequalities. Despite progress, she pointed out that data continues to reveal disparities in areas such as hunger, education, health, unemployment, and violent deaths affecting the black population disproportionately.

 

 

The event, attended by ministers, intellectuals, social leaders, and parliamentarians, featured an emotional closing speech by federal deputy Benedita da Silva, who expressed gratitude to Lula for his contributions to the black community.

In a noteworthy move, President Lula also signed a presidential decree recognizing hip-hop as a Brazilian cultural reference. This decree aims to promote a hip-hop culture characterized by diversity, parity, inclusion, and respect for complexities.

 

 

The key actions outlined in the launched package include:

  • The National Affirmative Action Program, with a budget of R$9 million, aims to formulate policies for women and marginalized communities.
  • The Interministerial Working Group on Anti-Racist Communication focuses on inclusive communication within public administration.
  • The National Quilombola Territorial and Environmental Management Policy (PNGTAQ) promotes sustainable development in quilombola territories.
  • The Constitutional Listing of Quilombos contributes to the appreciation and recognition of quilombola culture.
  • The Brazil Without Hunger initiative addresses food insecurity and poverty, promoting race and gender equity.
  • The Anti-Racist Early Childhood memorandum focuses on combating racism’s impact on black, quilombola, and indigenous children.
  • R$8 million investment in psychosocial care for families of victims of violence.
  • R$5 million investment in training courses for sustainable social technology.
  • R$2 million allocated to quilombola land regularization.

 

These measures represent a significant step towards achieving racial equality and addressing systemic issues affecting marginalized communities in Brazil.

For the first time, Brazil celebrated November 20th with a Ministry of Racial Equality. To reaffirm the Federal Government’s commitment to democracy and the reconstruction of the country, the second Package for Racial Equality was presented on Monday (20).

 

 

Image Credit: thgusstavo-santana/Pexels.

 

The document contains national programs, titles to quilombola territories, exchange scholarships, cooperation agreements, interministerial working groups, and other initiatives that guarantee or expand the right to life, inclusion, memory, land and reparation.

 

Soledad Quartucci | CEO/Founder, Latina Republic

Latina Republic is dedicated to promoting regional understanding through compelling narratives, articles, interviews, and reports that emanate from the heart of the Americas. Our foremost goal is to facilitate constructive dialogue by illuminating local viewpoints frequently overshadowed by mainstream media. Our mission is to equip all stakeholders with essential insights for addressing regional issues, thus empowering them in their efforts. We are committed to portraying the victories and hardships of everyday life in Latin America, while also chronicling the progression of social movements and amplifying the voices of those at the forefront of change.

 

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