Capoeira and Hip Hop in North East Brazil: Resistance to Inequality

In my MA thesis I argue that engagement in Capoeira and Hip Hop by Afro-Indigenous youth and community members in NorthEast Brazil ruptures their historically unequal status and enacts collective social change. My thesis is grounded on two programs I co-founded, “Capoeira for Street Kids” (Canada and Brazil) and “Hip Hop Rescues Kids” (Brazil). Both programs I co-created in 2005 with street involved and homeless kids and youth in Brazil. Both are unique forms of decolonizing research methodology and practice focused on healing from an Afro-Indigenous Brazilian worldview. The programs covers street health, harm reduction and community outreach with homeless and street involved people. This work is collaborative with communities with a history of diverse challenges including: poverty, homelessness, violence and addictions/mental health.