Why We Invested
An estimated 6500 Quilombola communities today exist in Brazil— together, they symbolize the conservation of Afro-Brazilian history and culture. Many Quilombola families live in rural areas, and still do not have access to electricity, treated water systems. Further, they are impacted by public policies that don’t meet basic human rights such as the right to education, health or transportation. CONAQ’s work is organized in thematic groups of Quilombola leaders, who work together on issues such as health, education, legal, women’s rights and more. We have invested in the Education Collective of CONAQ to further build its capacity. Specifically, we believe it will help their robust data collection efforts, which then can be used in its advocacy efforts.
I believe research can be a powerful tool in the political fight of the movement. I will no longer raise flags, sleep in train stations during protests. I've done all that. Now I want to produce data and help others do the same, knowing that this is what stays and what transforms.