Racismo, identidade racial negra e catolicismo : trajetórias de vida dos membros da igreja católica da Zona Norte do Recife

Abstract

The research titled "Racism, Black Racial Identity, and Catholicism: Life Trajectories of Members of the Catholic Church in the Northern Zone of Recife" aimed to analyze the perception of Catholic Christians in the Northern Zone of Recife regarding racism and its impact on their identities. Using a qualitative approach, the research collected data through narrative interviews, allowing participants to share their life stories, experiences, and perceptions of racism. This technique provided a deep understanding of the social dynamics and the meanings attributed by the interviewees to their experiences. The results indicate that racism is deeply rooted in the participants’ everyday experiences, significantly impacting their black identities and daily social relations. The analysis revealed that episodes of discrimination and racial prejudice are common, both within and outside the religious context. It was evident during the research that, despite this, Catholic faith also serves as a support and a space of empowerment for the participants, helping them to combat the harms caused by racism. Additionally, the research concludes that it is crucial for religious institutions to adopt concrete measures to combat institutional racism, promoting critical reflection and effective actions to support the construction of positive black identities. The research results also highlight the understanding that the fight against racism and for the affirmation of a positive black racial identity is ongoing and complex, requiring the engagement of all sectors of society.