Consciência Negra: How Graded Students and Faculty Learn About Afro-Brazilian History Across the Curriculum

November 20—Dia da Consciência Negra—is a meaningful day in Brazil to reflect on Afro-Brazilian history, culture, and identity. At Graded, learning about these important topics occurs throughout the year in age-appropriate ways, and this week offered several windows into how our students and educators engage with these themes in authentic, thoughtful experiences aligned with learning standards and goals.

In grade 3 PLA, students have been reading the cordel poem Dandara. While strengthening decoding, fluency, and vocabulary, they also learned about Dandara dos Palmares, Zumbi, and the quilombos. The unit introduced the cordel genre as a form of Brazilian cultural expression, inviting students to make connections across language, history, and culture. Later, they will create their own cordéis and continue exploring the influence of Indigenous and African peoples in Brazil.
 

In grade 7, BrSS students wrapped up a research project highlighting influential Black Brazilian figures. Each student selected a person to study, researched their life and contributions, and shared their findings with classmates. The project fostered deeper understanding, encouraged perspective-taking, and invited meaningful discussion about the many ways Black Brazilians have shaped the country.

Our faculty and staff, especially those new to Brazil, have been learning, too. Last week, a group of Brazilian faculty members hosted an open session for their colleagues on the origins and evolution of the holiday. The conversation encouraged reflection and helped deepen our collective understanding.

Across our campus, students and adults are learning, reflecting, and connecting these topics to Brazil’s past and present.