On the sacred grounds of remembrance, we gather on this hallowed day. November 20, a beacon of light, where Black Awareness unfurls its wings, soaring high above the Brazilian sky. A day to honor the rekindled flame of self-discovery, as the black community embraces their worth and contributions to this land.

In the depths of history’s archives, I embarked on a quest, unearthing the fragments of my lineage. Through old files and weathered books, I traversed the corridors of time, guided by an ancestral whisper. In cursed objects, hidden away, I found the echoes of my past, the trunks and chains that bore witness to the struggles endured.

My roots, intertwined with the East, were nurtured in the belly of filthy slave ships, sailing across treacherous seas. Yet, amidst the darkness, I discovered the resilience of my people. In the sweet words and soul-stirring songs, I heard the echoes of their spirits. The furious drums reverberated with the heartbeat of resistance, and ancient rites danced upon the stage of memory.

The color of my skin, a testament to the battles fought, etched with gashes upon my soul. In me, in the depths of my being, I carry the legacy of my ancestors. My dark skin, a canvas painted with the stories of my people, a symbol of strength and resilience. And within this tapestry, I find my proud heroes, whose footsteps paved the way for my existence.

In the color of my skin, I found a reflection of my lineage, the gashes in my soul a testament to the struggles endured by my ancestors. In the deep, rich hue of my skin, I discovered the beauty and strength of my people, and in the proud heroes who paved the way for our liberation. Finally, in this sacred encounter, I have met myself. I have embraced the essence of my heritage, the tapestry of my identity. With newfound clarity, I stand tall, rooted in the soil of my ancestors. Black Awareness Day, a celebration of self-discovery, a testament to the power of reclaiming one’s history. Today, I honor the past, the present, and the future, as I walk hand in hand with my people, united in the beauty of our shared journey.

Black Awareness Day is a celebration of this profound awakening, a day to honor the great worth and enduring contributions of the black community to our country and the world.

Viva Zumbi dos Palmares! Kaô Kabiecile! Sarava!

Copyright © Beatriz Esmer