Experience Report of the Project Weaving Afrodiasporic Roots on the Itaporanga Campus

Abstract

This article reports the experience of a project that aimed to promote racial literacy and Afro-diasporic representation through the study and appreciation of three significant cultural elements: afro braids, abayomi dolls and quilombos. The central objective was to provide an immersion in the universe of Afro-Brazilian culture, with a focus on strengthening racial identity and raising awareness about the legacy of the African diaspora. The methodology adopted involved three thematic cycles, structured in theoretical lectures followed by practical workshops, with the aim of offering a theoretical and experiential approach. The first cycle was dedicated to Afro braids, addressing their history and importance in racial identity. The second cycle discussed abayomi dolls, their symbolic role in resistance and strengthening black cultural identity and the third cycle focused on quilombos and the concept of digital quilombola, proposing reflections on the preservation of quilombola culture and new forms of resistance in the contemporary context. Throughout the three cycles, the positive feedback from participants highlighted the impact of the proposed approach, which not only reinforced the importance of Afro-diasporic culture, but also promoted the understanding of racial issues and the appreciation of symbols of resistance and identity.