As BW of Brazil reported a few days ago, American actress Tichina Arnold, probably most known for her roles on the TV series Martin and Everybody Hates Chris, recently arrived in Salvador, Bahia, affectionately known as Roma Negra (Black Rome) to participate in the annual Carnaval festivities and to also take advantage of the opportunity to meet some of her thousands of fans in Brazil. Everybody Hates Chris, known as Todo Mundo Odeia o Chris in Brazil, is a very popular show and one of the few that Brazilians see with a majority black cast. This is of particular interest in a city like Salvador where 80% of the population is Afro-Brazilian.
Tichina’s arrival, coincidentally at the same time that director Spike Lee continues work there for his documentary Go, Brazil, Go!, attracted much press coverage in Brazil. “Rochelle”, as she is known on Chris, was featured in articles of newspapers and websites such as A Tarde, iBahia, and Correio 24 Horas among many others. Here’s how A Tarde reported here visit:
In addition to filmmaker Spike Lee, another African-American celebrity was also present at the Carnival of Salvador. It’s the actress Tichina Arnold, of the series Todo Mundo Odeia o Chris (currently showing on the TV Record network in Brazil), where he plays Rochelle, the mother of the protagonist Chris.
Tichina joined bloco afro Olodum, dressed in the blocos’s clothes, participating in the beginning of the parade route alongside the singers in the band on the Osmar circuit in the Campo Grande district on Tuesday (12) of Carnival.
In English, the actress greeted the audience: “It’s my first time in Carnival of Salvador. I hope you’re having fun too.” This year, the bloco Olodum has the theme “Samba, futebol (soccer), alegria (joy): Raízes do Brasil (Roots of Brazil)”.
The majority of photos in this post featuring Tichina meeting her fans at Olodum’s headquarters are courtesy of our friends over at the Correio Nagô website. The bottom two pictures were featured on two online newspapers. Tichina and her entourage will also make a stop in Rio de Janeiro on their short trip.
Tichina also sent a message about her visit to Salvador to Black Women of Brazil through her representative Mable Ivory. It reads as follows:
“I am so pleased and excited to be in Brazil. All of the people here have been so welcoming to me, it is one of my favorite places in the world. It’s been an experience of a lifetime to march and sing in Carnaval in Salavador with Olodum and Muzenza. I was so overwhelmed, flattered and honored by my popularity here in the Afro-Brazilian community. It has definitely bridged a gap with my heritage. I am here for all Brazilians and I am honored to be in the presence of ALL
I am so happy and blessed to be on another wonderful TV show called Happily Divorced on TV Land in the U.S. I can’t wait until all of my Brazilian friends can see me on my new show.”
BW of Brazil would like to thank Tichina, Mable Ivory and our friends over at Correio Nagô for keeping us posted on Tichina’s visit to Brazil!
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