Education for Ethnic-Racial Relations and the Teaching of African History and Cultures in the Fight against Racism: A Reality in Brazil and a Challenge in Angola

Abstract

This study aimed to analyse education for ethnic-racial relations and the teaching of African history and cultures as a realistic approach to combating racism in Brazil, but as a challenge in Angola. The research addressed issues related to race, African empowerment, racial discrimination, and curriculum flexibility for education on ethnic-racial relations and the teaching of African history and cultures. An analysis and review of published literature, including articles, essays, and books by authors such as Alberto Nguluve, Kabengele Munanga, Silvio Almeida, Washington Nascimento, as well as Brazilian curricular guidelines and other relevant works, was conducted to provide a theoretical foundation for understanding the empirical and political realities of Angola and Brazil.

We therefore understand that Brazil addresses racism systematically because it has recognised that racism functions as a structure for maintaining the power of a hegemonic culture, whereas in Angola, racism is still predominantly perceived as a direct action by peoples who consider themselves superior, rather than also as a phenomenon involving underlying and concealed interests. This perspective contributes to delaying policies aimed at teaching African cultures and histories in schools.