Rio's Walls Speak: Black History Ignored, Now Celebrated

Rio de Janeiro, once the world's largest port for enslaved Africans, possesses a predominantly Afro-descendant population and has been home to many prominent Black figures. Despite this rich history, public monuments in the city predominantly honor non-Black individuals, with fewer than 10% of statues and busts commemorating Black men and women.

Addressing this historical oversight, the NegroMuro project, initiated in 2018 by researcher Pedro Rajão and artist Fernando Sawaya, has transformed city walls into vibrant canvases. This initiative now features 80 murals depicting around 120 Black individuals. The project's significant cultural impact has led to its recognition as intangible cultural heritage by the city.

Focusing primarily on the north zone, areas often receiving less attention, NegroMuro deliberately places art in neighborhoods with substantial Black populations. Their work includes portraits of historical figures like writer Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis and activist Lélia Gonzalez, aiming to create a "cartography of Black memory."

The project has expanded beyond Rio, with commissions in Brasília and São Paulo. It also engages the community through workshops and guided tours, further disseminating Black history and culture. NegroMuro deliberately avoids portraying pain, instead opting to represent Black history with beauty and lightness.