Brazilian Writer Djamila Ribeiro Brings Her Voice to UCLA and Beyond
Renowned Brazilian writer, feminist, and philosopher Djamila Ribeiro is currently serving as a Guest Professor at New York University. During a recent visit to UCLA, Ribeiro met with the Consul General of Brazil in Los Angeles, Ms. Fátima Keiko, and her dedicated team. The event also included insightful exchanges with Professor Nohora Arrieta Fernández and the inspiring curator and researcher Igor Simões.
Ribeiro’s book, Where We Stand, an instant bestseller, ignited a transformative Black feminist movement in Brazil, and has had an enduring impact on the country’s literary and cultural landscape since it’s release. In a lively discussion, Ribeiro addressed key topics such as the differences between the U.S and Brazil, publishing and translation of Brazilian literature, the role of translation in advancing social justice, and the pressing feminist issues facing Brazil today.
Her translator, Padma Viswanathan, noted the significant challenges of bringing a book with such cultural weight to a global audience. Highlighting disparities in Brazilian publishing, she explained that “between the years 1965 and 2014, 70% of works issued by major Brazilian publishers were written by men, of whom 90% were white.” This underscores the importance of Ribeiro’s work in shifting the literary paradigm and amplifying underrepresented voices.
Where We Stand is an essential read for anyone interested in the intersections of race, feminism, and social justice, offering profound insights into the ongoing fight for equity in Brazil and beyond.
