THE BLACK POPULATION'S STRUGGLE FOR RIGHTS: FROM SOCIAL MOVEMENTS TO QUOTA POLICIES IN THE BRAZILIAN CONTEXT

Abstract

This article aims to outline aspects of the historical trajectory of black social movements in the Brazilian context, situating the extent to which the demands of these groups led to racially biased quota policies for access to education and public service. Methodologically, the article is essay-like in nature, grounded in an extensive literature review process, as well as the experiences of the authors, who are researchers in the field of ethnic-racial relations. In short, the article's reflections highlight the agency of Black social movements, which have articulated themselves around the struggle for rights and citizenship. When we look at racially-based quotas for access to courses at federal educational institutions, we see that these measures were only possible thanks to intense pressure from black social movements for professional and academic training opportunities. Nevertheless, racial quotas in federal public service exams emerged as an offshoot of quotas at federal universities and institutes, aiming to make the Brazilian state's public service provision more diverse and representative. Without attempting to exhaust the debate, the article, in its concluding remarks, posits the importance of Black social movements and quota policies in strengthening the anti-racist struggle, for the sake of the much-desired racial equality in Brazil.