Language, Ancestral Wisdom and Anti-Racism: Perspectives from Afro-Brazilian Culture

Organised by the Centre for Latin American and Caribbean Studies (CLACS) in collaboration with the Office of International Relations at the Federal University of Southern Bahia (UFSB), Brazil.

Join us for an online conversation with linguist and writer Gabriel Nascimento dos Santos, whose work examines the relationship between language and racial inequality, and Mother Darabi (Alba Cristina Soares), a woman of many talents— poet, actress, and iyálorìṣa—whose life and work are a testament to the strength and resilience of Black ancestrality. Gabriel Nascimento dos Santos and Mother Darabi will be joined by CLACS director Jamille Pinheiro Dias. In this online event, we will delve into Blackness, anti-racism, ancestral wisdom, and the transformative power of language, art and spirituality. Gabriel Nascimento dos Santos is the author of the book Racismo linguístico: os subterrâneos da linguagem e do racismo ("Linguistic Racism: Beneath the Surface of Language and Racism," published by Editora Letramento in Brazil and still unpublished in English), which holds interest not only for language scholars but for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the complexities of racial inequality. Mother Darabi has dedicated her life to supporting those around her in navigating the challenges of systemic oppression, drawing on her spiritual heritage and connection to the orishas to inspire others. From her work in the terreiro—the physical location where the Afro-Brazilian religion of Candomblé is practiced—to her poetic expressions, she embodies the spirit of resistance against structural racism and the power of reclaiming one's identity.

Part of the Black History Month programme of events.

All are welcome to attend this free seminar, which will be held online via Zoom at 15:00 GMT (UK time). You will need to register in advance to receive the online joining link. Please click on the Book Now button at the top of the page to register.

Please consider supporting CLACS's mission to train the next generation of scholars in Latin American and Caribbean Studies: https://ilcs.sas.ac.uk/research-centres/centre-latin-american-caribbean-studies-clacs/support-clacs