Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Judi Lynn

(160,217 posts)
Mon Mar 26, 2012, 04:00 AM Mar 2012

Brazil slavery unearthed

Last edited Mon Mar 26, 2012, 04:30 AM - Edit history (1)

March 26, 2012 at 1:00 am

Brazil slavery unearthed

Traces of painful past discovered in harbor remake
By Juliana Barbassa
Associated Press

Rio de Janeiro — In a rundown part of Rio de Janeiro's harbor district, archaeologists are digging up fragments of a history many Brazilians would rather ignore.

Up to a million men and women forced into bondage in Africa emerged from the bellies of ships onto the Valongo wharf of what was once the world's busiest slave-trading port. Today, as Brazil surges forward on the world stage, scholars hope the trove of beads, bracelets and statuettes they are finding will also prompt Brazilians to look backward with greater interest at their slave heritage.

The wharf that was intentionally buried in 1840 and replaced by a new port is coming back to light as part of a $5 billion project remaking Rio's port region for tourism and business ahead of the 2016 Olympics.

Brazilians have long viewed their country as a racial democracy free from prejudice and the discrimination that marked U.S. history.

More:
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120326/NATION/203260361/1020/nation/Brazil-slavery-unearthed

2 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Brazil slavery unearthed (Original Post) Judi Lynn Mar 2012 OP
Please consider crossposting this to GD. Tuesday Afternoon Mar 2012 #1
Story reminds me a little of Congo Square in New Orleans. bluedigger Mar 2012 #2

bluedigger

(17,077 posts)
2. Story reminds me a little of Congo Square in New Orleans.
Tue Mar 27, 2012, 09:15 AM
Mar 2012

Now under part of Louis Armstrong Park, I believe.

Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»Anthropology»Brazil slavery unearthed