Note from BW of Brazil: For the second year in a row, a Brazilian couple is on the MIPAD list of Most Influential People of African Descent. Last year, arguably the most successful black couple, actors Lázaro Ramos and Tais Araújo were among the representatives from Brazil. Let me just say that this is a pleasant surprise because, although the couple is known within activist circles and people who are connected to the ‘black Brazilian thing’, among the average black Brazilian, they are not really well-known, although they’ve done some noteworthy things in recent years, with their popular YouTube that calls out Brazil’s advertising market due to their lack of black Brazilians product commercial and Kenia’s work with UN Women, I’ll say this still caught me surprise. But if you think about it, if MIPAD wanted to have another prominent black couple on their list, the truth is that it would be slim pickings in Brazil. It’s a topic that’s been well covered on this blog. As a matter of fact, Kenia herself expressed her opinion that, in today’s Brazil, “marriage between blacks is a political act” as she would go to discuss the widespread practice of “replacing” a black girlfriend with a blond among black futebol (soccer) players. No surprise if you read our recent article on Brazil’s national team and their obvious preference in women. Anyway, congrats are in order to Kenia and Érico! Today’s piece is the third of the last four that featured something on black couples.
Brazilian couple is among the most influential blacks in the world for the second time
By Amanda Serra
After Lázaro Ramos, Tais Araújo and Adriana Barbosa, creator of the Feira Preta (Black Expo), joined the list of the 100 most influential blacks in the world, now it is the turn of the actor Érico Brás, of the Zorra comedy program and the writer and UN Women Defender, Kenia Maria.
The couple will be honored by the MIPAD (Most Influential People of African Descent) in New York (USA) along with the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle and the actor Chadwick Boseman, protagonist of Black Panther (Pantera Negra in Brazil). The event will take place from September 30 to October 2 and honor artists and citizens who stand against racism and fight for direitos negros (black rights).
“We strive to get to this place to take the debate on racism in Brazil, religious intolerance and feminicide to the entire continent. Happiness comes along with responsibility, because we know the weight and importance of this award,” says Kenia, who has the support of her husband.
“We know that the indication comes full of responsibilities, because we have the dimension of the importance of being on the list of MIPAD, as committed citizens that we are and as representatives of our country in an international award”, says Érico, who besides his artistic career is also Adviser to the UN Population Fund Brazil.
In June of last year, the couple won, in the first instance, a case that they took up against Avianca for racism and moral damages. The airline company was ordered to indemnify them for a total of R$35 thousand.
Source: UOL Universa
with all due respect why is the new duchess Markle representing blacks. she clearly has a preference only for white men. check out her dating and marrying history. she doesn’t even look black. much better choices than this one.
This was a good article! The Brazilian couple is what’s needed in brazil. Kudus to those two and other black Brazilian couples for younger black Brazilians to see and take notice.