Gift Egbelu :
As a Black (Nigerian) American living in Brazil for over 3 years in south Brasil, it’s a very confusing experience. Because where I’m at, there are like four types of Black People I’ve encountered. Brazilian Blacks from Bahia (North), Angolan Blacks, Haitian Blacks, and Brazilian Blacks from the south. When I first moved here, I immediately clocked the body language of black people here. Head down, trying to stay small. Thought it was….interesting. Then there was the presumption of laziness from people from Bahia area. But the primary thing I clocked down here is people are far more ignorant or don’t understand racism or more importantly, Colorism. Because Brazilians are hyper mixed. So the African ancestry almost resides in a LARGE component of the country. So racism “can’t” be a thing. But there is a solid colorism problem, especially if you are not from the States. Brazilians still have insecurity of not being good enough to be European/USA-esque, but look down on African or other countries. It’s very complex here and I’m still learning and asking question. That being said, I love it down here. And my Lock hair self doesn’t deal with a lot of nonsense out here compared to the states. But, since my kids are born here, I have to be aware of the kids. And that reaction is interesting. It’s confusing, but not jarring. But that’s also comes with the American privilege.
2025-10-05 23:48:21