Olhares cruzados e experiências compartilhadas de negros (as) africanos (as) e brasileiros (as) na cidade de São Luís/Maranhão

Abstract

This research aims to understand the processes of construction of social identities and representations of African and Brazilian blacks in the city of São Luís do Maranhão. From a theoretical-methodological perspective focused on the epistemological discussion of black knowledge and recognition, its historicity in Brazilian society and its social actions as part of a racialized country. The method of research and analysis used was the life histories or narratives of these subjects. I analyze six (6) specific cases of blacks living in São Luís, three of them from African countries (Cape Verde, Guinea Bissau and Nigeria) and three other Brazilians. I believe that the construction of identities of Africans and Brazilians in São Luís do Maranhão is still related or conditioned to the color of the skin, crossing the economic, political, social and cultural spheres.