By Victor Silva*
Talent Acquisition Assistant at Kokku
Talking about issues related to Black identity is never too much, especially given the context we live in here in Brazil. And speaking of context, November is dedicated to Black Consciousness, yet many people still ask, “Why and for what purpose should we talk about this?” To understand the importance of a month dedicated to this theme, we must look back at history. Brazil’s history is deeply marked by slavery, and as Brazilians, it’s crucial to recognize and acknowledge our country’s past.
Brazil was the country that received the largest number of enslaved people brought from the African continent, and unsurprisingly, this has left a lasting social impact. The main result is structural racism, which remains ingrained in our society, unfortunately. In schools, we are often taught that Portugal brought “development” to Brazil, that the signing of the “Lei Áurea” to “free” enslaved Black people was an act of compassion, and that racial mixing happened peacefully and consensually, among other things. Well, the truth is far more complex.
Due to various events during the slavery period, contemporary society continues to view Black people as marginalized and undeserving of occupying spaces that bring visibility. When we succeed, we are seen as “arrogant” or constantly questioned about our knowledge and our right to be there—a right that should be as equal as that of you reading this article. You, Black reader, have likely experienced some form of racism in your life, whether subtle or explicit, and no, this is not something I’m proud to mention. I mention this to bring awareness to the racial issues that permeate our social environment, including what it means to “be Black.” On that note, it’s important to highlight that Black skin encompasses various shades, from lighter skin tones to darker ones.
I believe it’s essential to discuss two concepts to help you reflect on your identity: self-identification and heteroidentification. Self-identification refers to how you perceive yourself, based on your physical characteristics and the sociocultural context in which you are immersed. Heteroidentification, on the other hand, relates to how others perceive you—it’s literally the concept they form based on what they see, taking into account your physical traits and the social context you are part of.
According to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), data from the last census conducted in 2022 shows an increase in the Black and mixed-race population, which now represents 55.5% of Brazil’s population. Researchers indicate that this process of the population “darkening” stems from a growing appreciation of Black identity in our society. These findings suggest that more people are becoming racially aware and gaining knowledge about their origins in this context.
On many occasions, I have heard comments and questioned my own skin color, only to later understand that there are different shades of Black skin. If this raises any questions for you, we can discuss the topic further. Colorism is directly tied to this context. It is the notion that lighter-skinned Black individuals are more “accepted” in various spaces. However, while lighter skin tones may offer some social advantages, they do not shield individuals from racism. In this dynamic, darker-skinned individuals face even greater discrimination in society.
After touching on some of these themes, the main point remains that Brazil is home to the largest Black population outside of Africa, yet racism is still a pervasive part of the daily lives of Black people. What persists is a system that maintains white individuals in positions of power while Black people are often relegated to roles with limited opportunities for advancement. Many people still use racist expressions that must be eradicated from our vocabulary.
You, white reader, may be wondering about your role in all this. White people also have a role in the anti-racist struggle, which involves understanding Brazil’s historical context rooted in the enslavement of Black people and its impact today, respecting the voices of Black people, paying attention to who occupies spaces of influence in society, and contributing to the promotion of equity and respect so that Black individuals no longer face discrimination and prejudice.
My hope is that we reflect on racial issues not only during this month but beyond it. After all, what might be a month of awareness for you could very well be the daily reality of your friend, cousin, partner, colleague, mother, grandfather—or me. Let’s keep fighting!
*In 2024, we invited employee Victor Silva to share some thoughts on Black Consciousness Month. The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and do not reflect, directly or indirectly, the views of their employer (or any other individuals or groups).
