Afro-Brazilians in Rio celebrate their history and culture on Black Consciousness Day

There was dancing and celebration in the streets of Rio de Janeiro on Thursday as people came out to celebrate Black Consciousness Day, a national holiday recognising Afro-Brazilian history, resistance and contributions to the country.

“We are raised in the favela, we speak straight truth,” says actor Marcelo Valentim. “They wanted me dead, I’m alive. They wanted me poor, I’m rich.”

The Tia Ciata procession is named after the…