Brazil officially apologizes for enslavement of black people
The Brazilian government, on behalf of the Brazilian state, has publicly apologized for the enslavement of black people and its effects. The message also highlights the need to combat racial discrimination in the country.
“The federal government publicly apologizes for the enslavement of black people and its effects. It recognizes that efforts must be made to combat racial discrimination and promote the emancipation of black Brazilians. Finally, the government commits to strengthening the focus on creating public policies to this end,” the apology read out by Attorney-General Jorge Messias at an event in Brasília on Thursday (21) states.
During the event, Minister of Human Rights and Citizenship Macaé Evaristo recalled the struggle of black people for freedom, equality, and rights. In her view, the recognition comes as a result of the struggle and effective actions of a range of players in the black movement.
“In this journey of struggle, which is an abolitionist struggle, we have fought and continue to fight for freedom. We have been making important strides every day. This memory of more than 300 years of slavery does not end on May 13, because May 14 begins with the total abandonment of the black population in the country,” she declared.
“May 13” refers to the date of the emancipation of slaves in Brazil by the Golden Law, signed by Princess Isabel, heiress of the Portuguese royal family, on May 13, 1888.
Minister of Racial Equality Anielle Franco mentioned the memory of her sister, black councilwoman Marielle Franco, who was assassinated in 2018.
“In addition to the apology, in 2024 we had my sister’s murderers convicted. It’s not normal for us to have to deal with these problems and these pains every day and every moment. These are huge challenges, and that’s why we should think about this collective work—a concrete, collective work,” she said.
