Among the many inspiring stories that illustrate the tradition of black philanthropy in Brazil, one deserves special attention: the foundation of the Sociedade Protetora dos Desvalidos (SPD), in the city of Salvador, Bahia, on September 16, 1832, by Manoel Vitor Serra , a freed black African. The Protector, as it was known, was a historic milestone in the fight against inequality and racial discrimination. Founded by black workers, the organization's main objective was to provide mutual aid and support to the most needy. Through its philanthropic actions, the society supported enslaved people to obtain their manumission, as well as supporting members who became unemployed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Based on this vocation of fighting for equal rights, combating racism in all its forms and progress of the black community, Baob\u00e1 decided to make a donation of R$ 500 thousand to SPD. The social researcher and member of the governance of the Sociedade Protetora dos Desvalidos, Ligia Margarida Gomes, reports the importance of the donation: \u201cBaob\u00e1, for us, has always been a great hope. Being able to be here in this partnership is a very special moment. Baob\u00e1 was created to meet the demands that we have always yearned for and have always been repressed. Every victory he achieves is a victory for us. What Baob\u00e1 is helping to strengthen also strengthens us\u201d, stated Ligia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The executive director of Baob\u00e1 \u2013 Fund for Racial Equity, Giovanni Harvey, praises the historical importance of the SPD within the list of achievements of black people in Brazil, since the beginning of the kidnappings that took place in Africa, back in the 16th century. \u201cThis is the first time that Baob\u00e1 decides, politically, without a notice, to make a donation and does so with its own money. Money generated by Baob\u00e1\u2019s operations, which allows us to make a significant donation\u201d, he said. SPD will have full autonomy regarding the management of the resource offered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The relationship between the black population in Brazil and philanthropy dates back to colonial times, when black brotherhoods stood out as important organizational structures. The first records of these brotherhoods date back to the 17th century, with a significant expansion in the 18th century, the height of the slave trade in the country. These organizations were originally created in Europe and later expanded to Portuguese colonies, such as Brazil. They were spaces of resistance and solidarity in the face of the hostility imposed by the slave regime. They allowed black people to occupy and define forms of social action, paying for expenses such as funerals, in addition to promoting actions for mutual aid and purchasing letters of manumission. Philanthropy, when exercised collectively, creates a unifying force capable of driving significant change in society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brazil, however, brings a historical context of great importance when it comes to the formation of these brotherhoods and Ligia Margarida Gomes explains why. \u201cThe Society for the Protection of the Disadvantaged is the first black civil organization in Latin America. In Brazil, the first black institution was formed in Salvador, Bahia, and is the SPD. This organization was created based on what you (addressing the Baob\u00e1 Fund executive team) are helping to build and think about, which is the rescue of rights\u201d, he stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In their compositions, the brotherhoods valued gender equity, counting on the active participation of black women in their governance. These structures also had a direct relationship with the sacred, practicing faith and encouraging solidarity among members. And the sacred question was used cunningly by black people. \u201cWhen the B\u00fazios Revolt did not work out due to several factors, Manoel Vitor Serra thought of a way to overcome the difficulties. Black people, for example, could not gather. Two black people together was already considered a revolution. They were slaughtered. They could only meet in churches. And they needed to work together to overcome difficulties. They achieved this in several ways. That\u2019s why they used the name Brotherhood, because they could only meet in churches,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Giovanni Harvey, based on the historical line drawn by Ligia Margarida Gomes, contextualizes the importance of the donation made by Baob\u00e1 \u2013 Fund for Racial Equity: \u201cThe decision to make this donation concerns the history of the Sociedade Protetora dos Desvalidos, which is a history that we were deprived of knowing and which is linked to the history of Brazil. Linked to the history of Brazil, which was attempted to be built and which was repressed. But a Brazil that resisted and did not disappear\u201d, he concluded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Throughout the 19th century, these brotherhoods changed the way they operated with the interruption of the slave trade and the official abolition of slavery, but the objective of their work and their existence remains urgent. All economic and social indicators prove that the black population still needs the significant changes that can be driven by philanthropy. Therefore, August, Black Philanthropy Month, is a special occasion to highlight valuable contributions to society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Baob\u00e1 Program Director, Fernanda Lopes, explains the historical importance of black philanthropy. \u201cTo this day, they deny these types of investments, because it is by knowing more about our history, knowing the past better that we can look better at the present and can design better plans for the future. And designing better plans for the future puts the hegemon's people in a place they don't want to be. Strengthening the SPD is strengthening Baob\u00e1\u201d, defined Fernanda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Associativism, which involves the union of individuals around common objectives, allowed the Sociedade Protetora dos Desvalidos to consolidate its independence to act more effectively. Through this organization, it has been possible for many to share resources, knowledge and experiences, thus strengthening the black community as a whole.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cooperativism, in turn, brought an economic approach that allowed the black community to overcome barriers and challenges imposed by racism. By joining forces and resources, the members of Protectora and other brotherhoods that formed were able to develop joint projects, such as the creation of production and consumption cooperatives, aiming at financial autonomy and economic empowerment of the community. These initiatives were essential not only to ensure survival, but also to strengthen black self-esteem and resilience. Black philanthropy in Brazil has deep historical roots in black brotherhoods, which emerged as spaces of resistance and solidarity during the slavery period. Today, persistent racial inequality in the country highlights the importance of initiatives such as those of Baob\u00e1 \u2013 Fund for Racial Equity, which in almost 12 years of operation has charted a course to combat racism and works to promote equity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Black Philanthropy Month invites us to reflect on whether it is fair that racial inequality still relies primarily on the collective action of black people themselves. The paradigm shift depends on advances promoted by social movements and requires the engagement of the entire society to build a fairer country. Racial equity is an essential requirement for a full democracy and a prosperous future for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To contribute to combating racism, seeking equity and social justice, visit www.baoba.org.br and be part of this transformation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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