Black Consciousness Day
Black Consciousness Day, also known as Black Awareness Day, is a holiday that’s observed every year on the 20th of November in Brazil. The intended purpose of this holiday is to reflect on the injustices that have been imposed on African descendants since time immemorial and to give black people a heightened awareness about their worth and contribution to society. This day was originally celebrated on May 13th-which was the date of slavery abolition in Brazil but has since been moved to November 20th to honor the death of Zumbi dos Palmares. This is why this observance day is sometimes referred to as Zumbi Day.
Brazil (Observance)The History Of Black Consciousness Day
Black Consciousness Day has been observed in Brazil since the 1960s and its observance usually coincides not only with cultural and academic events but has also historically included public protests against racism and discrimination. It was originally placed on May 13th to honor the date of the abolition of slavery in Brazil but was moved to November 20th in honor of Zumbi.
Zumbi dos Palmares was a Brazilian from Kongo who was a leader of one of the quilombos, a settlement that consisted of enslaved Africans that have escaped slavery and their masters. Zumbi would go on to become a freedom fighter and eventually a black hero. His campaign against Portuguese oppression and helped to accommodate slaves who had escaped. Unfortunately, he was captured after being betrayed by a member of his inner circles on November 20, 1695. He was then beheaded.
Observing Black Consciousness Day
On this observance day, people all across Brazil celebrate this holiday in different ways. For some people, it’s a day to celebrate their history and their roots. For other people, it’s a day to protest against the injustices that still exist. It’s also a day that’s celebrated with various cultural events all across the country of Brazil.
Brazil (Observance)
