First Edition of Comenda Negras Minas Honors Racial Equality Advocates

The first edition of the Comenda Negras Minas took place on Friday at the Municipal Theater in Rio Grande, honoring 12 figures and institutions for their contributions to human rights, racial equality, and the preservation of Afro-Brazilian culture. Created by Municipal Law No. 9,371 in late 2025, the honor responds to a request from the Municipal Council of the Terreiro People and is scheduled to be awarded annually in November as part of the Unified Black November programming.

The distinction is named after the three Negras Minas, women whose histories are tied to Black resistance and the preservation of African-tradition practices in the region. Among the honorees was Ialorixá Carla Trindade D'Oxum, the great-great-granddaughter of one of these historical figures, who noted the significance of receiving an award bearing her ancestors' names. According to municipal reports, Trindade shared that her family hid their identity for many years due to racism, but now embraces their lineage with pride.

Municipal Coordinator for the Promotion of Racial Equality Chendler Siqueira described the presence of Black and African-tradition communities inside the Municipal Theater as a political affirmation and a tribute to ancestors. He views the commendation as an affirmative and reparatory measure, though still short of addressing the historical debt owed to these communities by the municipality.

Representing the Municipal Council of the Terreiro People, Luiz Otávio Borges emphasized the involvement of social movements in securing spaces for representation and shaping public policies for traditional communities. He connected the tribute to individuals who have confronted violence, erasure, and inequality throughout their lives.

Religious figures recognized at the event included Babalorixá Jorge Nogueira Martins, known as Jorginho do Xangô, and Ialorixás Mãe Marli d'Bará and Mãe Graça d'Oxum, who spoke about resisting historical bans on African-tradition religious practices and fighting ongoing racism. Mayor Darlene Pereira defined the ceremony as an act of historic recognition and reparation, highlighting the role of women in preserving and transmitting knowledge across generations.

Federal Deputy Alexandre Lindenmeyer also received the distinction and shared the recognition with local movements working on reparatory policies. The complete list of honorees included Ialorixá Alzenda Maria d'Iansã, Gessy Chaves Prates, Maria da Graça Amaral, Ialorixá Sirlei Maciel d'Oya, who was honored posthumously, and the Instituto Cultural Filhos de Aruanda Cultural Point. Dacila dos Santos Souza will receive the award at a later date due to health reasons.

The ceremony featured musical performances, including a special appearance by 83-year-old Bahian singer, composer, and researcher Mateus Aleluia. Visiting Rio Grande for the first time, Aleluia described the experience of receiving the honor as a personal rebirth, expressing profound emotion and surprise at finding a community so deeply united around African ancestral traditions in the southernmost part of the country.