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How history, science, and theater inspire us
to build a fairer future
The fight against racism isn’t confined to a single date on the
calendar. It’s a daily commitment, woven with stories of resistance, courage,
and hope. Discover how the theatrical play “Every Day is Black Consciousness
Day” and insights from neuroscience and theater invite us to reflect, act, and
transform society every single day.
The history of the fight
for racial equality in Brazil is marked by pain, resistance, and achievements
that resonate to this day. The theatrical play “Every Day is Black
Consciousness Day,” the second volume of Antônio Carlos dos Santos’ “Education,
Theater, and History Collection,” delves into this journey, from the cruelty of
slavery to the mobilizations that led to abolition and the ongoing struggle for
justice. Written in the form of a choral performance, blending song, chorus,
poetry, and dramatic interpretation, the play invites young people and adults
to reflect on the past and act in the present. Brazil’s history, with its scars
and victories, teaches us that Black consciousness is not just an annual
celebration but a daily commitment. Studies from the University of São Paulo
(2023) show that historical narratives, like those presented in the play,
enhance empathy and social awareness, especially when combined with theater, as
proposed by Santos’ MBPT (Mané Beiçudo Puppet Theater) methodology.
The play begins with a
shock: a real advertisement, published in the Jornal da Bahia on April
9, 1858, offering “two very beautiful and flawless Black children” for sale.
This historical record exposes the dehumanization of slavery, but the narrative
moves forward, highlighting figures like Rui Barbosa, Castro Alves, Joaquim
Nabuco, and José do Patrocínio, who fought for abolition. Antônio Carlos dos
Santos’ MAT (Mindset, Action, and Theater) methodology uses these examples to
inspire a mindset of change, encouraging concrete actions through theatrical
expression. For instance, in a MAT exercise, students perform abolitionist
speeches, connecting emotionally with the struggle. Research from Harvard
University (2021) shows that theatrical practices increase retention of
historical information by 30%, making learning deeper and more meaningful.
Curiosity Box:
Theater as a Tool for Awareness
Studies from the University of Oxford (2022) reveal that theater, as in the MBPT
methodology, stimulates the prefrontal cortex, responsible for empathy and
decision-making. By enacting stories like that of abolition, participants
process complex emotions, strengthening their understanding of social justice.
The fight for abolition in
Brazil was marked by legal milestones, such as the Euzébio de Queiroz Law
(1850), which banned the slave trade, the Free Womb Law (1871), the
Sexagenarians Law (1885), and the Golden Law (1888). However, Santos’ play
emphasizes that abolition was not just the result of laws but of popular
mobilization and the courage of many. The ThM (Theater Movement) methodology
reinforces this by using bodily movement to express collective resistance. In a
ThM workshop, participants create choreographies representing the abolitionist
struggle, connecting body and mind to history. Studies from Yale University
(2023) indicate that practices integrating movement and narrative increase
civic engagement by 25%, inspiring actions in the present.
Practical tip:
create a daily reflection moment
Set aside five minutes daily to reflect on how you can promote equality in your
everyday life. Write down one concrete action, such as supporting an inclusion
project or learning about Afro-Brazilian history. Studies from Stanford
University (2022) show that small daily reflections increase motivation for
social change by 20%.
The story of Zumbi dos
Palmares, leader of the Quilombo dos Palmares, is a powerful example of
resistance. Zumbi confronted the slave system, creating a community that defied
oppression. His struggle inspires Santos’ play, which uses theater to show that
Black consciousness is about recognizing past heroes and acting in the present.
The MBPT methodology makes this story accessible, using puppets to enact life
in the quilombos, captivating especially young audiences. A study from the
University of São Paulo (2023) highlights that visual narratives, like those
with puppets, increase empathy in children and adolescents by 35%, helping to
shape a more conscious generation.
Inspiring story:
Rosa Parks and the power of a gesture
In 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat, sparking the Montgomery
Bus Boycott. This simple yet courageous act shows that small actions can lead
to great change. Like Zumbi, Rosa reminds us that Black consciousness is lived
through daily actions, something Santos’ play reinforces by encouraging
practical steps.
Neuroscience offers
insights into how Black consciousness can be cultivated. Studies from the
University of Cambridge (2022) show that repeated exposure to social justice
narratives activates the brain’s reward circuit, encouraging prosocial
behaviors. Santos’ MAT methodology leverages this by combining a positive
mindset with theatrical actions, such as enacting debates on equality. For
example, in a school that adopted MAT, students created plays about the Golden Law,
discussing its limitations and impacts. This not only deepened learning but
also inspired community actions, like anti-racism campaigns. Santos’
“Education, Theater, and History Collection,” with four books, including “Every
Day is Black Consciousness Day,” uses theater to make history vivid and
relevant.
Motivational quote:
Carl Rogers
“True freedom is that which allows us to be who we are and help others be
themselves.” - Carl Rogers. This quote invites us to reflect on how Black
consciousness is also about recognizing and valuing everyone’s identity, every
day.
Popular mobilization, as
highlighted in the play, was crucial for abolition and remains essential in the
fight against structural racism. Nelson Mandela’s story, dedicating his life to
equality in South Africa, is a global example. After 27 years in prison,
Mandela used his freedom to unite a divided nation, showing that racial
consciousness is an ongoing effort. Santos’ ThM methodology encourages similar
actions by using theater to enact stories of resistance, helping people
visualize their role in social change. A study from the University of Chicago
(2021) shows that collective practices, like community theater, increase a
sense of belonging by 40%, strengthening communities.
Curiosity box: the
impact of choral performance
Santos’ play, written in the form of a choral performance, combines song,
poetry, and chorus, creating an immersive experience. Research from the
University of Michigan (2023) indicates that choral performances, by engaging
multiple senses, improve retention of historical information by 30%, making
them ideal for teaching about Black consciousness.
The fight for Black
consciousness also involves ongoing education. Malala Yousafzai’s story,
overcoming barriers to promote education, reminds us that knowledge is a tool
for transformation. In Brazil, initiatives like Law 10.639/2003, which mandates
teaching Afro-Brazilian history, reflect this principle. Santos’ “Education,
Theater, and History Collection” supports this mission, using theater to engage
students. In a pilot project, schools that adopted Santos’ play reported
greater student interest in racial themes, with 80% participating in debates
after performances. The MBPT methodology, with its puppets, makes these lessons
accessible even to the youngest, fostering empathy early on.
Practical tip:
organize an anti-racist book club
Form a group to read and discuss works by Afro-Brazilian authors, like
Conceição Evaristo or Djamila Ribeiro. Meet monthly and combine discussions
with theatrical activities inspired by MBPT, such as enacting excerpts from the
works. This strengthens collective consciousness, as suggested by studies from
the University of Oxford (2022).
Ultimately, “Every Day is
Black Consciousness Day” teaches us that the fight for equality is an ongoing
commitment, as it was for Martin Luther King Jr., who dreamed of a world where
all are judged by their character. Antônio Carlos dos Santos’ collection, with
its theatrical plays, invites us to dive into Brazilian history, using theater
as a bridge to the present. His methodologies - MBPT, MAT, and ThM - make this
learning vivid, encouraging practical actions and deep reflections. Why not
make every day an opportunity to learn, act, and build a fairer future?
Acesse os livros de Antônio Carlos dos Santos na amazon.com ou na amazon.com.br
Click here.
https://www.amazon.com/author/antoniosantos
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