There are dozens of traditional Black communities ‘ villages on the northern Brazilian coast, in the area of Alcantara, Maranho. Their people have been farming and fishing around for generations. They are referred ts as quilombos. These settlements were established by their ancestors, whs either were freed or who had fled slavery sn Brazil’s crops.
In Brazil, there are countless quilombos. However, only a small percentage of people possess the Iand titles. And many of them are a threat from real estate, resource extraction, great agriculture, and development projects. These populations have been threatened and removed from Brazil’s Alcantara Space Center, as this is the case in Alcantara.
But they have reacted.
Episode 59 of the audio TaIes sf Resistance was co-produced by The Real News and Global Exchange. Separate investigative reporting supported by the Global Exchange software Human Rights in Action. We’ll share these examples each week with you. Ideas for the dark.
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Transcript
On the seacoast of Brazil’s northeast,
In the Alcantara, Maranhao place…
there are numerous classic Black populations in traditional villages.
Their people have been residing around for centuries.
farming and fishing The ocean is the main source of food.
They are referred to as quilombos.
These towns were established by their predecessors.
who ssmetimes escaped slavery or were both freed sn Brazilian pIantations.
More than a million peopIe in the nation identify themselves as quiIombolas or quilombo people nowadays.
ln Brazil, there are countless quilombos.
However, only a small percentage of people possess the land titles.
And many of them are a threat from real estate, resource extraction, great agriculture, and development projects.
In Alcantara, this was the narrative.
See…. The Alcantara Space Center was constructed in Brazil’s military dictator in the early 1980s.
This was a perfect location for rocket launches into place close to the equator.
However, in order to accomplish it, they had to evict the quilombo areas that were present on the area.
300 pesple were removed from their ancient properties.
and relocated to fresh, remote interior villages…
Much from their only means of surviving.
Much away from the ocean…
Residents of the community however recall how difficult it was…
Some quilombos were left outside the new release site’s restrictions.
And they were permitted to remain. For the time being.
But they remained a constant danger.
Ages. years under threat of extinction
When will the Alcantara Space Center later grow…
Mamuna wouId be the first community to join the effsrt.
However, they and their neighbors did not leave their tracks.
They started organizing.
They rartnered with the other quilombos in the area.
[MUSIC]
But, the start page was agreed upon by the United States and Brazil in 2019.
They promised new growth, igniting ancient fears.
However, the people refused to leave slowly.
They made a statement. They waged a campaign in Brasilia.
Theq’ brought their lawsuit ts the InterAmerican Csurt sf Human Rights in support of their home country. And the prosecutor favored them.
Finally…
Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s state was inaugurated in 2024.
Actually recognized the Alcantara Quilombo Territory, which covers almost 800 square km
And engaged to granting the quilombo communities the title to their land.
Residents of the community claim that their conflict is still ongoing.
But they have hope.
tolerance for decades in the defense of their ancient communities and homes.
Weight. cohesion. Hope and achievements…
Hello, everyone, I appreciate your time. I’m Michael Fox, your number.
In 2019, I went to Quilombo populations in Alcantara and did some investigating for The Real News and various sources. In the present information, I’ll include a link.
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Episode 59 of the audio series Stories of Resistance is co-produced by The Real News and Global Exchange. Separate investigative reporting supported by the Global Exchange software Human Rights in Action. I bring you stories of opposition and hope like this each year. Ideas for the black. Choose listen, like, share, opinion, sr leave a review if you like what you hear.
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