AfroBrazilian

Afro-Brazilian refers to Brazilians of African ancestry, including descendants of enslaved Africans and people of mixed heritage who identify with African or Afro-Brazilian culture. The term encompasses individuals across all regions and social strata and is also used to describe cultural practices, communities, and art forms rooted in Africa and the African diaspora in Brazil.

Historical background: Brazil was a major destination of the transatlantic slave trade from the 16th century, with large populations brought to sugar plantations and later urban centers. Enslaved Africans and their descendants formed communities in coastal regions such as Bahia, Rio de Janeiro, Pernambuco, and Maranhão. Slavery was abolished in 1888, followed by gradual integration and ongoing racial inequality, discrimination, and social movements seeking civil rights and recognition.

Culture and religion: Afro-Brazilian culture has shaped music, dance, religion, and cuisine. Notable religious practices include Candomblé and Umbanda, which blend African, Indigenous, and Catholic elements. Musical forms such as samba, maracatu, and funk often have African roots, and martial arts like capoeira emerged from Afro-Brazilian communities.

Identity, demographics, and modern context: In Brazilian demographic surveys, race is self-identified, with categories including branco, preto, and pardo; Afro-Brazilians comprise those who identify as preto or pardo, or who have African ancestry. Afro-Brazilian communities have faced racism and inequality but have achieved visibility in politics, education, arts, and sports. Public policy has included affirmative action programs to address historical disparities.