The Brazilian government, on behalf of the Brazilian State, publicly apologized for the enslavement of Black people and its effects. The message also highlights the need to combat racial discrimination in the country.
“The federal government publicly apologizes for the enslavement of Black people and its effects. It acknowledges that efforts must be made to combat racial discrimination and promote the emancipation of Black Brazilians. Finally, the government commits to strengthening the focus on creating public policies for this purpose,” read the apology delivered by Attorney General Jorge Messias at an event in Brasília in November, during the celebrations of ‘Black Consciousness Day’.
During the event, the Minister of Human Rights and Citizenship Macaé Evaristo recalled the struggle of Black people for freedom, equality, and rights. In her view, the recognition results from the struggle and effective actions of various actors in the Black movement.
“In this journey of struggle, which is an abolitionist struggle, we fight and continue to fight for freedom. We have made significant progress every day. This memory of more than 300 years of slavery does not end on May 13, because May 14 begins with the total abandonment of the Black population in the country,” she declared.
“May 13” refers to the date of the emancipation of slaves in Brazil by the Golden Law, signed by Princess Isabel, heir to the Portuguese royal family, on May 13, 1888.
The Minister of Racial Equality Anielle Franco mentioned the memory of her sister, the Black councilwoman Marielle Franco, who was murdered in 2018.
“In addition to the apology, in 2024 we had my sister’s murderers convicted. It is not normal for us to have to deal with these problems and pains every day and at all times. These are enormous challenges, and that is why we must think about this collective work — a concrete, collective work,” she said.
Source: Agência Brasil