Aula 04: Por uma história antirracista e decolonial do Tráfico Atlântico de Escravizados

Name: Aula 04: Por uma história antirracista e decolonial do Tráfico Atlântico de Escravizados
Uploaded: 2023-08-11T12:20:08.000Z
Duration: 3 h 38 min 29 s

Introduction to the Lecture

Speaker Introduction

The session is led by a substitute for Professor José Miguel, introducing Professor Dr. Gilberto Guizerlink, an alumnus of UEL.

Dr. Gilberto is a professor at UFPR and holds a doctorate in history from UNESP, with expertise in slavery and Brazil-Africa relations.

Personal Connection

Dr. Gilberto expresses gratitude for the opportunity to return to UEL, highlighting his educational background there and previous teaching experience.

Main Topic: Antiracist and Decolonial History of the Atlantic Slave Trade

Focus on Sources

The lecture will address historical sources related to the volume of the Atlantic slave trade, beginning with studies from the late 18th century during significant global revolutions.

Emergence of Abolitionism

The rise of abolitionist movements in England coincided with these revolutions, leading to campaigns that studied slave trade volumes to mobilize public opinion against slavery.

Role of Abolitionists

English abolitionists were pivotal in initiating research on slave trade statistics; some were formerly enslaved individuals who shared their experiences to support anti-slavery efforts. One notable figure was Olaudah Equiano, who documented his journey from Africa through enslavement to activism in England.

Economic Implications of Slavery

Nations Involved in Slavery

Discussion includes various nations involved in slavery—England, France, Holland, Spain, Portugal, Brazil—and their economic reliance on the slave trade until its legal prohibition around 1830 in Brazil.

Financial Aspects

The Impact of British Abolition on the Slave Trade

The Shift in British Policy Towards Slavery

In 1807, England prohibited its subjects from participating in the slave trade, initiating international pressure against this commerce that persisted until the mid-19th century.

This period saw a significant increase in documentation related to the slave trade, aimed at identifying key locations for both the departure of enslaved Africans and their arrival in the Americas.

Misrepresentation of African Participation

English documents produced during this time often portrayed a distorted view of the slave trade, particularly regarding African involvement, depicting African leaders as barbaric and lacking humanity.

Parliamentary papers were not only read in sessions but also disseminated through newspapers and abolitionist publications to sway public opinion against slavery while targeting both European/American traffickers and African authorities.

Case Study: The Kingdom of Onin

A recent project focuses on British intervention in the Kingdom of Onin (modern-day Lagos), which was a major port for enslaved Africans. In 1851, it faced bombardment by British forces leading to colonization.

Documents reveal how local rulers were depicted negatively; one king was labeled "bloodthirsty" due to his involvement in slavery and connections with Brazilian trafficking routes.

Decline of Atlantic Slave Trade

As the Atlantic slave trade began to decline by the 1850s, there was a noticeable reduction in documentation concerning it. This coincided with broader colonial ambitions as Europeans sought control over Africa.

The end of legal transatlantic trafficking did not equate to an end of exploitation; instead, new forms emerged under different terminologies like "free colonists," maintaining exploitative practices akin to slavery.

Continuation Under New Guise

Post-abandonment of official slave trading laws led to a shift where countries like France, England, Germany, and even the U.S. continued similar practices under altered labels.

The narrative suggests that while formal trafficking ceased officially around 1860, exploitation persisted through disguised methods that maintained colonial dominance over Africa.

The Resurgence of Interest in the Atlantic Slave Trade

Historical Context and Key Theorists

The resurgence of interest in the Atlantic slave trade coincides with the decline of imperialism, particularly during the interwar period between World War I and World War II.

Historian G. M. Golles identifies two main schools of thought regarding the volume of the Atlantic slave trade: the maximalist school, which critiques European imperialism and suggests high estimates for enslaved individuals transported.

The maximalist perspective claims that between 20 to 40 million enslaved people were transported, although it lacks rigorous source verification.

In contrast, the minimalistic school initiated by Philip Curtin's work in 1969 reevaluates these numbers downward, suggesting around 9.5 million enslaved individuals were brought from Africa to the Americas over three centuries.

Ongoing Debates and Reassessments

A fierce debate emerged between maximalist and minimalist scholars during the late 1960s to early 1970s regarding these estimates.

Although Curtin's figures became widely accepted at one point due to his statistical mapping techniques, they have since been surpassed by newer research.

The Slave Trade Project, established in the late 1990s in the U.S., has involved international researchers who continue to reassess these figures; recent estimates suggest around 12.5 million enslaved Africans were transported.

Brazil's Role and Historical Perspectives

Brazil accounted for over 40% of this total, with approximately 5.5 to nearly 6 million Africans disembarking there.

French historian Jean Metas highlighted that debates on numbers can distract from understanding broader historical contexts such as African demographics during slavery or annual trafficking rates.

Implications for Social History

Metas argued that focusing solely on numbers is a trivial pursuit without context; what matters is recognizing that regardless of exact figures—whether it's millions or tens of millions—the impact was immense.

This discourse has led to a shift towards social history studies emerging in Brazil during the '80s and '90s, emphasizing diverse narratives within slave trading rather than a monolithic view.

Challenging Common Narratives

Recent scholarship warns against oversimplifying narratives about African complicity in slavery; it emphasizes understanding complex dynamics rather than attributing blame uniformly.

Discussion on Slavery and Historical Narratives

Bolsonaro's Controversial Statements on Slavery

Jair Bolsonaro, a presidential candidate from the PSL, downplays Portugal's role in the African slave trade, suggesting that "the Portuguese never set foot in Africa."

He attributes responsibility for the slave trade to Africans themselves, claiming they were complicit in delivering slaves during the period from the 16th to 19th centuries.

This statement reflects a growing common narrative that has emerged over recent years, which often distorts historical facts as presented by academic research.

Misinterpretations of Historical Context

The misconception that Africans enslaved each other is rooted in historical observations of certain African leaders and societies engaging in slavery among themselves.

It is crucial to address how knowledge about slavery has been colonized and misrepresented through biased sources like parliamentary papers.

Broader Perspectives on Slavery

The speaker emphasizes that slavery was not exclusive to African societies; it existed across various cultures globally throughout history.

Notably, there is less outrage when discussing ancient Greek or Roman slavery compared to African slavery, highlighting a double standard in societal perceptions.

Understanding African Societies and Slavery

The discussion points out that different forms of slavery existed historically across continents, including Europe and Asia.

Africa is characterized as a diverse continent with numerous ethnicities and cultures rather than a monolithic entity; this diversity influenced how slavery manifested within its societies.

Types of Slavery in Africa

The earliest form of slavery mentioned is lineage-based or domestic servitude prevalent among Sub-Saharan societies.

This type of slavery involved smaller family groups being dominated by larger kinship networks due to environmental changes or migration pressures.

Understanding Different Forms of Slavery in Africa

The Concept of Linhajeira Slavery

Linhajeira slavery differs from modern forms as it allows the enslaved individual to regain freedom, maintaining their humanity throughout the process.

In contrast to American slavery, where individuals were often dehumanized and treated as commodities, African slaves retained their human status and could integrate back into society.

Enslaved individuals had opportunities for freedom through marriage or fulfilling a work period, emphasizing community ties and familial relationships.

Work Dynamics in Linhajeira Slavery

There was no strict division of labor; all members, including enslaved people and family members, participated equally in various tasks necessary for survival.

This system arose out of necessity for group survival rather than exploitation, highlighting a communal approach to labor.

Islamic Influence on African Slavery

The arrival of Islam in Africa during the 8th century led to significant changes in societal structures, including the normalization of slavery within Islamic contexts.

By the 9th century, much of North Africa was already under Islamic influence, which integrated slavery into its economic systems.

Characteristics of Slavery in Islamic Societies

In Islamic societies, slavery served as a means for converting non-believers and was intertwined with social norms regarding servitude.

Many enslaved women became domestic workers or sexual slaves; this practice was common within households across these regions.

Institutionalized Slavery Post-European Contact

The emergence of institutionalized slavery occurred after European contact in the 15th century when states began specializing in slave production.

States like Dahomey exemplified this trend by relying on warfare against neighboring groups to supply slaves for trade with Europeans.

Diversity Within African Slavery Practices

African slavery practices were diverse and context-specific; not all regions practiced institutionalized slavery similarly.

It is crucial to understand that Africans typically enslaved enemies rather than kinship ties—similar practices existed historically across various cultures.

Philosophical Perspectives on African Enslavement

Scholars like Paul Lovejoy argue against simplistic views that depict Africans as enslaving their own; instead, they targeted adversaries akin to historical practices seen in ancient Greece and Rome.

Understanding African Identity and Historical Perceptions

The Construction of Black Identity

The concept of being "Black" was created by Europeans to categorize and dominate Africans, who did not originally identify as such.

In the book "A Casa de Meu Pai," the author discusses African identity in the 19th century, describing it as a complex blend of styles, habits, and social psychology.

Historical Perspectives on Africa

Historically, Africa has been viewed from an external perspective; ancient Greek and Roman sources referred to it as Ethiopia rather than Africa.

The Greeks and Romans excluded Egypt from their understanding of Ethiopia, viewing it instead as part of their Mediterranean world.

Terminology and Geographic Understanding

Muslims referred to Africa as Sudan, derived from Arabic meaning "land of the blacks," which included a broader region than that known to Greco-Romans.

This Muslim understanding encompassed Sub-Saharan regions and areas with significant trade interactions with various African peoples.

European Exploration and Naming Conventions

European travelers in the 15th to 17th centuries initially called Africa "Guinea," reflecting their limited knowledge upon arrival.

The term "Africa" itself was developed by Enlightenment thinkers in the 18th century, often associated with notions of historical absence.

Racial Constructs in Enlightenment Thought

Hegel's philosophy contributed to the idea that Africans lacked historical agency due to perceived deficiencies in written culture.

This period saw the rise of scientific racism, categorizing humans hierarchically based on race—placing Europeans at the top and Africans at the bottom.

Implications for Brazil's Slave Trade

In Brazil during its colonial period (19th century), distinctions among enslaved Africans were more pronounced than elsewhere.

Overview of Portuguese Colonialism in Angola

The Nature of Portuguese Presence in Angola

The term "Conquista" or "Reino de Angola" refers to the limited Portuguese colonial presence, primarily centered around Luanda, the administrative capital, and a few inland trading posts.

These trading posts were tolerated by neighboring African authorities until the late 19th century, indicating a complex relationship between colonizers and local powers.

Enslavement and Ethnic Homogenization

Enslaved individuals referred to as "nação escola" were primarily captured from regions far inland rather than directly from coastal cities like Luanda or Benguela.

In Brazil, these enslaved people were homogenized into broad categories based on their supposed origins (e.g., "Angola," "Benguela," "Cabinda"), obscuring their diverse ethnic backgrounds.

Changes in Slave Trade Dynamics

The volume of enslaved individuals transported from Luanda to Brazil fluctuated due to abolitionist movements; Luanda was a key port for this trade until 1830.

Following Brazil's independence in 1826, an agreement with Britain aimed at abolishing the slave trade led to increased scrutiny of slave ships arriving from Africa.

Legislative Actions Against Slave Trade

A Brazilian consul was sent to Luanda post-independence to maximize profits from the remaining legal slave trade before it was outlawed.

The Law of November 4, 1831 marked Brazil's first anti-slave trafficking legislation but had limited immediate effect on stopping the influx of enslaved Africans.

Shift in Trafficking Patterns Post-Abolition

After new regulations, slave ships began landing at more remote beaches instead of major ports like Rio de Janeiro, indicating a shift in trafficking methods.

By the 1830s, Cabinda became increasingly significant for slave trafficking due to weaker political control by Portugal and less British oversight.

Rise of Eastern African Slave Trade

From 1830 onwards, there was a notable increase in enslaved individuals coming from East Africa (e.g., Mozambique), surpassing those from West Africa by the 1840s.

Enslaved people arriving from East Africa were often categorized as “moçambiques” despite their varied ethnic origins across multiple regions.

Cultural Identity Among Enslaved Populations

Recent research highlights that within the label “moçambiques,” there existed numerous distinct ethnic identities identifiable through cultural artifacts such as amulets and tattoos.

Understanding the Historical Context of the Atlantic Slave Trade

The Interconnection of African History and the Slave Trade

The narrative surrounding the slave trade must be decolonized, emphasizing an anti-racist perspective that acknowledges its complexity beyond European and American histories.

The study of Africa's history has gained prominence post-World War II, particularly in the 1960s and 70s in the U.S. and Brazil, highlighting a shift towards understanding African contributions to global narratives.

Law 10.639 of 2003 mandates teaching African and Afro-Brazilian history in schools, marking a significant step towards recognizing these histories within educational curricula.

Resistance and Political Dynamics

Alberto da Costa e Silva's work illustrates that the Atlantic slave trade involved not only domination but also resistance from enslaved Africans, who maintained connections with their homelands.

Enslaved individuals often acted as messengers between Africa and Brazil, facilitating communication among political figures across continents during their captivity.

Understanding Slavery Beyond Numbers

The Atlantic slave trade should be viewed through a lens that includes political exile; many African leaders were displaced yet continued to influence events back home while in captivity.

Costa e Silva emphasizes that slavery was not merely about oppression; it also encompassed human relationships and political dynamics within Africa itself.

International Relations Influenced by Slavery

The slave trade created international relations where dethroned African royalty sought negotiations with Brazilian authorities regarding enslaved individuals.

Many displaced rulers continued to fight for their thrones from afar, demonstrating how personal stakes intertwined with broader historical movements.

Contemporary Reflections on Racism and Memory Recovery

Current discussions highlight Brazil's unique position as a nation with a significant population of descendants from enslaved Africans while grappling with its racist past.

Acknowledging this history is crucial for addressing contemporary issues related to racism within Brazilian society.

Engaging with Historical Research

Recent inquiries into historical narratives reveal complexities around memory recovery concerning slavery in Brazil compared to other nations like the United States.

Ongoing research aims to uncover silenced histories of enslaved people in Brazil, contrasting them with more documented experiences elsewhere.

Exploring Oral History and African Heritage in Brazil

The Role of Oral History

Discussion on the unique context of Brazil regarding the prohibition of enslaved individuals from studying, leading to a reliance on oral history for cultural memory.

Mention of the historical recovery efforts related to the ship Camargo, highlighting how personal family histories contribute to understanding past events.

Connection to African Roots

Emphasis on Brazil as an African country due to its deep-rooted memories and oral traditions that trace back to Africa, particularly through methodologies developed by African intellectuals.

Recognition that while many enslaved individuals are no longer alive, their descendants continue to preserve their stories and memories.

Current Demographics and Cultural Memory

Reference to recent census data indicating there are still 1.5 million quilombolas (descendants of escaped slaves) in Brazil, emphasizing the importance of their narratives.

Personal anecdotes from interactions with quilombola communities reveal how they actively recount their histories from centuries past.

Contradictions in National Identity

Exploration of Brazil's identity as a nation built by enslaved people yet often denying its African heritage; it is noted as the second-largest population of Black individuals globally after Nigeria.

Commentary on how this denial affects societal recognition and future prospects for Afro-Brazilians.

Historical Context and Legislative Changes

Insight into how discussions about slavery gained momentum post-dictatorship in 1980, coinciding with democratic reconstruction efforts in Brazil.

Mention of ongoing struggles with legislation like Law 10.600 concerning affirmative action, reflecting persistent challenges in addressing historical injustices.

Understanding Africa's Influence

Acknowledgment that understanding Africa is crucial for self-awareness among Brazilians, especially given the country's significant Black population facing racism.

Personal Experiences Relating to Africa

Reflection on personal experiences visiting Angola and South Africa, noting similarities between issues faced there and those encountered in Brazil.

Observations on Racial Perceptions

Discussion on Racial Inequality and Historical Context

Observations on Employment of Black Individuals

The speaker notes the prevalence of Black individuals in undervalued professions in South Africa, such as domestic work, contrasting this with their absence in more prestigious roles like wearing suits.

Similar patterns are observed in Brazil, where Black individuals occupy low-status jobs, highlighting systemic racial inequalities.

The Intersection of Labor and Human Trafficking

The discussion emphasizes the connection between labor demands and human trafficking, suggesting that the need for workforce leads to exploitative practices.

There is a significant financial aspect tied to these issues, indicating a complex web of economic interests involved.

Revisiting Historical Narratives on Slavery

A response to Mateus Aurélia's comments about revisionist views on slavery highlights that slavery has existed across various societies historically and continues today.

The speaker criticizes the term "analogous to slavery," arguing that it dilutes the reality of exploitation; true slavery should be recognized without euphemisms.

Analyzing Modern Forms of Slavery

Descriptions of modern-day exploitation reveal severe mistreatment akin to historical slavery, emphasizing that poor working conditions reflect ongoing injustices.

Historical Perspectives on Slave Societies

Reference is made to Momocolo’s work regarding slave trade volumes and how it informs current understandings while also feeding into revisionist narratives.

There's concern over attempts to downplay European involvement in the slave trade by shifting blame onto African communities.

The Role of Historians in Understanding Slavery

Importance of Credible Scholarship

The speaker stresses the necessity for serious historians' voices against those who oversimplify or misrepresent historical facts about slavery.

Archaeological Evidence from Palmares

Current archaeological research indicates that while there was indeed slavery in Palmares, it resembled forms familiar to enslaved Africans rather than European mercantile practices.

This suggests an effort among enslaved people at Palmares to reconstruct their societal memories amidst oppressive conditions.

Economic Pressures from British Imperialism

British Influence on Brazilian Abolition Efforts

Discussion shifts towards how the British Empire exerted pressure on Brazil for abolition through economic means during the 19th century.

Recognition and Economic Interests Post-Independence

In seeking international recognition post-independence (1820), Brazil had to agree to terms favorable to Britain concerning slave trade regulations.

Recognition of Brazil's Independence

Diplomatic Recognition and Historical Context

Dom Pedro I presented formal letters recognizing Brazil's independence, which can be found in the historical archives at Itamaraty in Rio de Janeiro.

The recognition of Brazil's independence was primarily acknowledged by European powers and the Vatican, reflecting a Eurocentric perspective on sovereignty.

Impact of Legalized Slave Trade

The legalized slave trade from 1835 led to an increase in trafficking volumes, contrary to expectations that it would diminish.

British forces began military interventions against Brazilian ships suspected of carrying enslaved individuals, showcasing their naval dominance during the 19th century.

Naval Interventions and Sovereignty Issues

British inspections targeted Brazilian vessels for signs of illegal slave transport, such as shackles or excessive provisions for long voyages.

A notable incident occurred in 1849 when Brazilian forces engaged British warships attempting to seize vessels within Brazilian waters.

Legislative Pressure from Britain

Following military confrontations, Brazilian Minister José Paulino Soares de Souza urged parliament to pass the Eusébio de Queirós Law to avoid further British aggression.

Throughout the 19th century, Brazil relied heavily on loans from London’s financial institutions, indicating economic dependence on Britain.

British Interests and Abolitionist Movements

Britain's push against the slave trade stemmed from both internal pressures and economic interests related to sugar production in its colonies.

The abolitionist sentiment in England emerged not solely from moral grounds but also as a strategic move influenced by economic factors affecting colonial labor needs.

Consequences for African Leadership

The end of Britain's involvement in the slave trade around 1807 was driven by strong domestic opposition and activism against slavery.

Colonial Interests and Abolition in Nigeria

British Colonial Influence in Nigeria

In 1865, the British protectorate over Nigeria was established, marking the beginning of colonial interests focused on economic exploitation, particularly regarding palm oil.

The British aimed to dismantle African monarchies to access resources directly, as these were previously controlled by local authorities.

Post-Abolition Realities

Despite the abolition of slavery, many freed Africans ended up in forced labor situations or under conditions akin to slavery, highlighting a continuity of exploitation.

A discussion arose about the persistence of enslaved Africans on farms even after the official abolition in 1888.

Historical Context and Literature

The importance of literature addressing post-abolition labor practices is emphasized; a recommended text discusses the concept of "the invention of Black labor."

Carlos Alberto's work is noted for its exploration of labor dynamics in Brazil during Italian immigration and continued African enslavement.

Social Conditions After Abolition

The Lei Áurea (Golden Law), which abolished slavery, did not uniformly liberate all enslaved individuals across Brazil; many remained in servitude due to socio-economic conditions.

The transition from slavery to freedom did not equate to improved social status for many former slaves.

The Role of Methodism and John Wesley

Influence on Abolition Movements

John Wesley's influence on Methodism is acknowledged but not deeply explored; however, it is noted that Methodist teachings promoted ideas of freedom and equality.

In the U.S., Methodists played a significant role in anti-slavery campaigns by integrating enslaved Africans into their religious communities.

Notable Figures and Actions

Reverend Robert Washington's efforts against Brazilian slavery are highlighted; he documented his observations aboard slave ships and advocated for abolition through his writings.

The Evolution of Slave Ships and Their Impact on Abolitionism

Changes in Slave Ship Design

The design of slave ships evolved significantly from the 17th to the 18th century, with 18th-century ships being smaller but featuring multiple internal compartments for transporting enslaved individuals in various positions.

Robert Washington critiques the American perception of slavery and its implications on the transatlantic slave trade, particularly focusing on Brazil's involvement in the late 1940s.

Role of Methods in Abolitionist Campaigns

The methods used during this period were crucial not only for Brazilian abolitionism but also had a significant impact on international campaigns against slavery, especially in the United States.

Literature and Historical Perspectives

Célia Marinho's work highlights differences between Brazilian and American abolitionism, emphasizing Protestant influences in U.S. movements.

Gerald Horne’s historical analysis includes discussions about Robert Washington's influence, providing insights into how these narratives shaped public understanding.

Integrating Afro-Brazilian History into Education

A discussion arises regarding Law 10.639, which mandates teaching Afro-Brazilian history; there is a call for effective integration of African cultural history into educational curricula.

Current education programs focus on natural sciences while incorporating cultural interactions related to Brazil's enslaved past.

Interdisciplinary Approaches to Teaching History

Emphasizing that African history should be viewed as a starting point rather than an endpoint allows for broader interdisciplinary connections across subjects like biology and chemistry.

Students often bring knowledge from traditional agricultural practices rooted in African techniques, showcasing how these can be integrated into science education.

Challenges in Implementing Interdisciplinary Education

There are difficulties associated with promoting interdisciplinary approaches within schools; often discussions around Afro-Brazilian culture are limited to specific events like Black Consciousness Week.

Past experiences reveal that efforts to celebrate African beauty through school events lacked depth and research, failing to represent diverse cultural expressions accurately.

Interdisciplinarity and the Importance of African Knowledge

Year-Round Engagement with Black Consciousness

The concept of interdisciplinarity should be considered not just during Black Consciousness Week but throughout the entire year, involving various actions and initiatives.

A personal anecdote is shared about a grandson's school project focused on Africa, highlighting how different subjects like chemistry can incorporate African themes.

Expanding Perspectives on Knowledge

The speaker emphasizes that African knowledge is not limited compared to European or American perspectives; it offers valuable insights across disciplines.

Reference to the film "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind" illustrates how African knowledge can lead to innovative scientific advancements.

Addressing Contemporary Issues

The speaker expresses gratitude for participating in discussions about historical and contemporary issues related to slavery and racism, emphasizing their importance in today's context.

Reflection on Societal Challenges

Acknowledgment of ongoing societal challenges, including stereotypes and prejudices, particularly highlighted by recent tragic events in Rio de Janeiro involving police violence against youth.

Discussion of systemic issues where families face multiple layers of grief and injustice when dealing with loss due to violence.

Call for Awareness and Change

The need for society to confront ingrained racism is stressed, suggesting that true change will come from recognizing diverse identities within Brazil's population.