On November 20, Black Consciousness Day is celebrated, a date that reinforces the importance of valuing Afro-Brazilian culture, ancestry and the fight for equality. To mark the month dedicated to this theme, Sebrae – RN, with the support of Aliança Energia, held, on Tuesday, November 18, the 1st Meeting of Quilombola Communities of RN.
The event took place in the Quilombola Community of Macambira, in Lagoa Nova, a community supported by Aliança Energia through the Culture Incentive Law and located in the surroundings of its Acauã Wind Complex. The initiative brought together more than 100 participants, representing 13 quilombola communities from different regions of the state.
Representatives of the following communities were present: Pega, Arrojado, Lajes and Sobrado de Porto Alegre; Capoeiras of Macaíba; Ipanguaçu Stings; Camucim de Arêz; Ipueira Counter; Queimadas de Currais Novos; Bela Vista Piató de Açu; Gameleiras de São Tomé; Moita Verde de Parnamirim; and Macambira.
The program focused on valuing quilombola identity, strengthening ancestry, innovation and community protagonism, in addition to encouraging entrepreneurship as a tool for sustainable development. Throughout the day, lectures, panels, cultural presentations, a traditional products fair and moments of integration between communities were promoted.
The guests also had the opportunity to visit the Quilombola Museum of Macambira and the Casa de Farinha of the community, in addition to attending artistic presentations and participating in a fair with products exhibited by each community.
During the meeting, the manager of the Impact Business Project of Sebrae/RN, Elisete Lopes, highlighted the importance of the initiative: “an event like this is of great importance, in which several communities come together to exchange knowledge. Each one brings their experience, what has worked in their community. Discussing the challenges and seeking collective solutions strengthens the reality of these communities. The lectures also inspire new opportunities within the territories themselves, opportunities that often exist but are not identified. With the example of other communities, it is hoped that everyone will leave this event with a new spirit for the struggles of everyday life and to develop their territories.”
For Nalva, a participant in the Macambira community, the meeting brought important learnings: “this event is very important because other communities are bringing experiences and knowledge to us, allowing us to gain more knowledge and better develop our community.”
Andreia Nazareno dos Santos, representative of Sítio Grossos, in Bom Jesus, highlighted the transformative impact of the meeting: “today we came to meet and honor the community of Macambira. This event has been inspiring. It is believed that those who participated will leave with another look and another mind, taking to their community a little of what they learned and heard here.”
The actions developed at the meeting are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, with emphasis on SDG 10 – Reduction of Inequalities, SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 17 – Partnerships and Means of Implementation.
The 1st Meeting of Quilombola Communities of RN reinforces the Aliança Energia’s commitment to the appreciation of quilombola culture and the sustainable development of traditional communities in the state, celebrating the strength, history and protagonism of this tradition.
