I could not let this opportunity pass without expressing how overwhelmed I am to have just found out that Brazil will host the 2016 Olympics. I am so proud to be Brazilian and to know that my country will be the focus of so much attention. Aside from that, you should know that this is a first for a South American city. Folks…this is HUGE!
Right now I know the streets are full of people back home celebrating the news. The singing and dancing will not stop for quite sometime. Well done Brazil. Well done.
To find out more about the Rio Olympics go to the official site here.
Wondering where I’ve been? I’ve been revamping this blog. I’ll be back soon.
I’m a little late in my mention of Carmen Miranda’s 100th birthday. Her birthday was Monday, February 9th. While I’ve had my ups and downswith her legacy, there is one thing you can’t deny- she was quite an interesting person, one that we, as Brazilians have learned to appreciate. There is so much to say about Carmen Miranda that it would take several posts for me to accomplish my thoughts.
I chose this photograph because it shows her in all her natural beauty; unlike the caricature Hollywood created for her. This made up image helped to perpetuate many stereotypes not only for Brazilians but for all South Americans.
So Happy 100th Birthday Carmen! Thank you for your unique gifts.
To learn more about Carmen and see more photos go here. (sorry the site is in Portuguese)
There were some great moments today throughout the Presidential Inauguration Celebration. Like when Malia and Sasha walked out. How beautiful are these kids?! And Michelle looked AMAZING in her yellow outfit by Isabel Toledo. Yellow is a power color. It’s strong without being pretentious. Look for it this Spring and Summer. It will be everywhere. She looked radiant—beaming even, as she looked at her soul mate. Like many of you, I can’t wait to see what she’ll wear tonight for the ball.
The highlight of the day for me was the inaugural speech. Our president did not disappoint. President Obama is a powerful speaker and this speech was nothing short of brilliant. He covered it all. It was honest and hopeful. It was everything I wanted and needed to hear.
As an immigrant, I was deeply moved by the following part in his speech.
For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus – and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.
The eyes of the world are on us. As the world watches and evaluates President Obama’s first 100 days, think of how you will contribute to help change come about; in your community or your personal life. Whatever you do, remember we are all in this together. We will get back on our feet as a nation and be much stronger than ever.
It’s finally here. Today Barack Obama will take his place in history. I am short on words but overcome with emotion. I am sitting in my office, looking out the window at the fresh snow on the ground and thinking of new beginnings. How I want to be there in DC with the crowd. Thank God for streaming video, CNN and Facebook. At 11:30 a.m. I will close my office door and take this moment in.
We did it America. We have re-written the narrative of our nation today.
I’ve heard it from my aunt Evangelina about a thousand times “he looks like a Baiano.” It’s true. If you look at Barack Obama closely he does have a very Brazilian look about him. His mixed racial background makes it easy for us to see ourselves in him. My aunt has adopted Barack Obama as her personal president. We laugh on the phone constantly. When I ask what she is up to, she tells me she is lighting candles for Obama. Oi Tia!
Here in the States we’ve gone through one of the most emotional presidential races in recent history. We have our first African-American president. Back home, Brazil was taken with the entire process. It was as if they themselves were voting. When Barack Obama finally won, family members were calling Brazil where folks were already celebrating in the streets.
Although the air is heavy with joy we also realize the enormity of Obama’s win on our culture. Four millionslaves were shipped to Brazil and we still have the largest population of blacks outside of Nigeria. We were the last country in the Americas to abolish slavery in 1888. Obama’s win resonates with many because it reminds us that there are still issues of race we must face. Brazilians are talking about it.
Brazil is a fascinating place. We are populated by people from all ethnic and racial backgrounds. We mix freely across racial lines but there are still issues we need to address. We’ve made some advances especially in higher education with affirmative action, but more needs to be done. As Brazilians both black, white and mixed we have been taught to internalize the belief that our country is a racial democracy. Unfortunately it has fallen short and we must work to make sure that all our people are treated equally across racial lines. So while the task at hand for our beloved Brazil may be difficult, it is by no means impossible.
As a kid, I remember hearing my mother sing the hook to “Pata Pata” and how we would dance around the house. Pata Pata is a powerful and simple song. No matter how you may be feeling, upon hearing it, I guarantee you’ll end up feeling better.
I was so sad to hear of Miriam Makeba’spassing today. She died in Italy after collapsing on stage. She was 76 years old. It wasn’t until I came to the US that I learned more about Miriam Makeba and her extraordinary life. Exiled from her homeland, she used her voice to make the world aware of the plight of black South Africans under apartheid. I’m glad she lived to see apartheid dismantled, Nelson Madela free and Barack Obama elected as President of the United States.
Good bye Mama Africa.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful gift with us.
Pata Pata
Saguguka sathi beka
(Nantsi, pata pata)
Saguguka sathi beka
(Yiyo, pata pata)
Yi yo mama yiyo mama
(Nantsi, pata pata)
Yi yo mama yiyo mama
(Yiyo, pata pata)
Pata Pata is the name of a dance
we did down Johannesburg way
Everybody starts to move
as soon as Pata Pata begins to play
Every Friday and Saturday night
It’s Pata Pata time
The music keeps going on and on
Till the morning sun begins to shine
It’s going to take me a few days to process the weight of what just happened. I’m not even going to attempt to pick it apart. I’m just glad I was here to witness this moment in our history.
I was up at 4:30 am. I just couldn’t sleep any longer. I got dressed and waited for a reasonable hour to leave for my polling place. So at 5:50 am I left to walk the 3 blocks to Old First Reformed Church at the corner of 4th and Race in the Old City neighborhood of Philadelphia.
I got there at at 6:01 am and there was already a line. I was the 20th person on line. Before long the courtyard of the old church was full. I saw my neighbors and friends, lots of smiles and looks that said we’re changing the world today.
Once my turn came up and I went behind the curtain, I stopped and stared at the ballot for a while. I got chills. I thought of my son then I pressed the button. I know this must sound strange but it felt as if I was voting for the first time. This time it feels as if my vote will make a difference in the future of America.
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