UTM presents black culture of Brazil

UTM percussion professor Dr. Julie Hill spoke as 2012's first academic speaker on January 31st in Watkins Auditorium.

The basis of her presentation was to let UT Martin know what it's like in Salvador, da Bahia.

"Music can change the lives of young people and truly transform generations," Hill said.

Hill visited Brazil for the first time 11 years ago.               

Her travels led her to a clandestine meeting with a group of people whom she now has great passion for.

Her visits to the region have equipped her with knowledge and she shared that knowledge in her presentation. In Brazil, social equality does not yet exist. In Salvador, black citizens live in favelas, which is Portuguese for "slum housing," and they are surrounded by drugs and crime.

Many of the schools are predominately white and Euro-centered. African history and heritage are not taught. Black females don't even have schools to go to.

Today, organizations are forming to put an end to this way of life for African Brazilians. Hill met Neguinho do Samba, who has begun a school for women and children called Escola Dida. Here, students learn how to play music along with regular courses and life lessons.

"A peaceful revolution is occurring is Salvador. Here change is possible. Through art, children are learning they can become great citizens," Hill said.

Hill showed several clips during the presentation for the audience to see what the school and circumstances were like in Salvador. The students described the school as a big house with a really big family.

Hill has also recently taken UT Martin students to Salvador to learn and experience the music of the culture, called Samba Reggae. It is a combination of Portuguese and Jamaican styles of music. The students at Escola Dida have instruments provided, but in other areas, many young people make instruments out of anything they can find, such as bread pans or barrels.

Also, Hill talked about other art forms that are important to African heritage in Brazil.          

They practice a type of dance called Capoeira. This is where slaves disguised fighting moves in dance to stay fit and practice fighting. The dancing style is very fast-paced and acrobatic.

When slavery was abolished in 1880, the dance was a sign of freedom for the slaves, and the government banned it until the 1920s.      

The dance attracted tourists, which soon made it acceptable once again. Today, you can see Capoeira being performed all over Salvador.

Another art form is a type of theater called Condomblé. This theater told the stories of African mythology. Having these stories of brave heroes gives young generations pride in their heritage.

These art forms are so important for building confidence in this generation of black Brazilians and it also gives them something they can control and be proud of. Hill emphasized the importance of art within every civilization not just Salvador.

She said that it teaches so many life lessons, such as the importance of education, personal expression, mastering a trade, seeking a profession and being proud of heritage.                    

Art evokes emotions, has the power to unite people and is therapeutic. She came across the culture by simply being open.

"Be open to things you don't already know about," Hill said.

"We can all make a difference by creating awareness of the positive effect art can have in a child's life."

The joy of learning music is not just a past time for many, but it can lead to social transformation.