York University PhD candidate Bruno Véras has earned the Antonieta de Barros Award for the promotion of racial and gender equity in Brazil.
The award recognizes 30 initiatives or communication projects promoting racial equality and overcoming racism.
Véras is a grad student in the Department of History, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS), and was the director of the project “África Aparece: Linguagem, Ensino Debates sobre a Cultura Afro-Brasileira” (Africa displayed: Language, Education and Debates on the Afro-Brazilian Culture).
In recognition of the successful impact it had on the community, the project won R$ 20,000 (reais) from the Secretariat for the promotion of racial equality (Ministry of Women, Racial Equality & Human Rights).
“África Aparece” received initial funding from the Ministry of Education & Culture in Brazil, and advisory support from the Harriet Tubman Institute, York University.
Based in the Zequinha Barreto State Public School, “África Aparece” promoted Afro-Brazilian culture, stimulated positive memories of Africa, and enhanced self-esteem among the black youth in the the community of Dom Hélder Câmara in Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil, through a series of workshops on photography, plastic arts, film screenings and educational exhibits.
Véras works under Professor Paul Lovejoy, and is also a graduate assistant for the Harriet Tubman Institute.
Antonieta de Barros was a pioneer in combating discrimination against blacks and women. She was the first black state deputy of Brazil and first woman deputy of the state of Santa Catarina. Throughout her life, de Barros was a teacher, journalist and writer.
Click here to access the project website and social media.