Reclaiming Liberdade: Unveiling the Untold Black History in São Paulo's Japanese Quarter

Liberdade, São Paulo's vibrant neighborhood known for its Japanese culture, holds a deeper, often overlooked Black history. The district's name traces back to Chaguinhas, a formerly enslaved Black soldier. Organizations like Guia Negro aim to highlight this history through Afrotourism. Despite challenges, Black American tourists find Brazil welcoming.

São Paulo's Liberdade neighborhood, renowned for its Japanese culture, also holds a rich, often overlooked Black history. The area, home to the largest Japanese community outside Japan, is famous for its Asian-style architecture, restaurants, and paper lantern-style lighting.

The name 'Liberdade', meaning 'liberty' in English, is historically linked to Chaguinhas, a formerly enslaved Black soldier who was executed in 1821 after leading a protest for better wages. His death prompted calls for 'liberty' among spectators, embedding his story in the neighborhood's identity.

Afrotourism, focusing on Black history, is growing in Brazil. Guia Negro, founded in 2018, offers tours in 22 cities, including São Paulo, to disseminate this history. In 2023, tourism agencies announced initiatives to promote both businesses and tourism in this sector, with Rio de Janeiro's Pequena Africa attracting more visitors than iconic sites like Christ the Redeemer.

Despite commercial initiatives adding 'Japao' to Liberdade's metro station name, emphasizing Japanese influence, the Black presence remains significant. São Paulo, with Brazil's largest Black population, offers a welcoming destination for Black American tourists. 'Brazil made me feel like a Black queen,' said Dr. Chanel Adrian Clifton, a tour participant.

Guia Negro's efforts aim to combat prejudice through history education. In October 2020, a tour faced intense police scrutiny, suspecting it was a protest. In April 2024, the São Paulo State was ordered to pay 750 thousand reais ($138 thousand) to Guia Negro for racial discrimination, highlighting ongoing challenges.

(With inputs from agencies.)