UPDATE: A message from Dr. Quintard Taylor Jr, founder of Blackpast.org, JUNE 4, 2024
BlackPast.org Explores Black History in Brazil: Join The BlackPast.org Limited Space Tour of Salvador Bahia and Rio, 8 days/7 nights
Greetings, BlackPast.org supporters, history enthusiasts, and culture seekers! We are sending this email to let you know we just opened up half a dozen spots on this first ever custom-designed tour sponsored by BlackPast.org. https://tri.ps/zUyOL
We are going to Brazil which will be my first trip to that nation. One of the highlights will be lectures by Professor Joao Jose Reis of the University of Bahia who was my fellow graduate student at the University of Minnesota in the 1970s.
This immersive tour will take you deep into the vibrant and profound Black history of Salvador, Bahia and Rio de Janeiro. Join us as we explore the roots, resilience, and rich cultural contributions of the Afro-Brazilian community in the nation with the largest Black population outside Africa.
Discover Salvador Bahia: A Cradle of Afro-Brazilian Culture 4 nights
Salvador Bahia, with a population almost 80% of African ancestry, is known as the “Black Rome” of Brazil. It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Afro-Brazilian people. Our tour will lead you through the historic Pelourinho district, where colorful colonial architecture and cobblestone streets tell stories of both struggle and triumph. Marvel at the beauty of the Afro-Brazilian religious traditions, such as Candomblé, as we delve into the significance of these practices in preserving cultural identity.
The journey continues to the iconic Mercado Modelo, where the echoes of the past resonate through its vibrant stalls. Engage with local artisans, sample traditional Afro-Brazilian cuisine, and immerse yourself in the lively rhythm of Bahian music. Each step is a stride through time, connecting you to the Afro-Brazilian roots that run deep in the city’s veins. Engage in discussions with local historians and community leaders, gaining insight into the challenges faced by the Afro-Brazilian population and the strides being made toward a more inclusive and influential future.
Rio de Janeiro: Where History Meets Modernity 3 nights
Our exploration begins, however, in Rio de Janeiro, just before leaders of the world’s most powerful nations meet there in a G-20 Summit Meeting. Rio is a city where the old and the new coalesce to create a dynamic Afro-Brazilian experience. From the historic Pedra do Sal, the birthplace of samba, to the world-renowned favelas, we will traverse spaces that have been central to the narrative of Afro-Brazilian culture.
Come join us as we celebrate, learn, and honor the incredible Black history of Salvador Bahia and Rio de Janeiro. We look forward to sharing this transformative experience with you!
