It's been really fascinating to learn about the history of Afro-Brazilians, both during enslavement and after. Since my research covers from 1865 to 1915, and complete abolition occurred in Brazil in 1888 (over 20 years after the United States abolished slavery), I've been able to see a variety of responses from Black, Brown, and white communities during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
However, although I spend much time in historic Brazil, I've also noticed how modern-day Black Brazilians are continuing the fight against racism. For example, it is traditionally viewed as a negative to wear Black hair naturally (like how my hair is in my picures). Until 2006, job advertisements would ask for "good appearence," meaning that hair needed to be straight and applicants needed to have as much Euro-centric features as possible. While 2006 wasn't that long ago, there are still many who still feel this way about public appearances. At the same time, I have met new friends who are challenging the status quo by wearing their curly hair out and proud, and wearing clothing that emphasized Black life and Black pride.
