Some contributions to an Afro-Brazilian studies program

This research project is exploratory in nature and seeks to make some contributions to an Afro-Brazilian Studies Program which aims to review the production of knowledge and the appreciation of Afro-Brazilian and African history and culture. The question to be investigated concerns what black professionals from different fields committed to combating racism and discrimination propose as fundamental in their respective areas of knowledge and/or work to compose an Afro-Brazilian Studies Program. To this end five (5) professionals from different fields were interviewed. An interview script consisting of fifteen (15) questions was prepared. In analyzing these we sought to identify what knowledge values positions and attitudes a program of this nature should encompass. Among other aspects all participants believe that a program such as this is of paramount importance for the Brazilian black population to feel included and valued not only in school curricula but also in society thereby increasing self-esteem and strengthening the ethnic-racial identity of this group.