People don’t have the courage to hit me with prejudice, especially because I’m no ‘angel’, says Alcione

If there’s one thing that turns heads and drives Alcione seriously, it’s racism. At the beginning of his career in music, when he accompanied Emílio Santiago (1946-2013) in a show, the “black guy with his hat off” ended up being prevented from entering the club because he was black.

At the time, she did not remain silent: she threw a trash can in the direction of the owner of the establishment. “I learned from an early age with my parents that I shouldn’t lower my head to anyone and that I didn’t have whip marks on my back”, says the singer, who began her career as a child, performing with the Orquestra Jazz Guarani, conducted by her father , João Carlos. She was 12 years old and still lived in Maranhão.

Officially created in 2011, Black Awareness Day has always been, for Alcione, every day. But the official date, November 20th, is special for her. In fact, doubly special. First, for the most obvious reason: “It’s a moment to remember why we are here and where we want to go. A day of reflection and, of course, of fighting for our cultural identity.”

Also because Marrom celebrates its 77th birthday the next day. If he never let himself be silent, he wouldn’t do it now. She says she makes a point of actively using her voice against any type of discrimination. “Although people don’t have much courage to try to reach me with their prejudices. Especially because I’m no ‘angel’.”

What does Black Awareness Day represent to you?

It is not a simple commemorative date, but a day for greater reflection, for us to rethink the trajectory of our people. Our history has always been one of very tough struggles and battles with arduous and often tortuous paths. It’s a time to remember why we are here and where we want to go. A day of reflection and, of course, of fighting for our cultural identity.

How do you deal with the issue of blackness in your life?

I learned from an early age from my parents that I shouldn’t lower my head to anyone and that I didn’t have whip marks on my back. We have a strong ancestry, we are warriors and little by little we are occupying the spaces that are rightfully ours. No human being is better than another because of their race, color or creed.

You turn 77 the next day, November 21st. Is there anything to celebrate?

Coincidence indeed. But I like to highlight the good things that are currently happening without forgetting that we still have a lot to achieve. Fortunately, these new generations, unlike in the past, when changes took place more slowly, are managing to make great progress in combating prejudice and defending our rights. We are moving forward; Not enough yet, but we are moving forward.

How did you contribute to the cause?

I think I’ve always tried to contribute as an artist and as a person in different ways. As an artist, giving my messages on stage and talking about prejudices and racism. Trying to alert women, especially black women and those most dependent on their partners, about the violence and dangers that surround them daily.

Have you ever actively participated in any movement?

Yes, from various educational movements and campaigns or even for the survival of people in very precarious conditions. Just to give an example: he served soup to the homeless in a block that Mangueira had in the center of Rio. The population was practically all black

Do you consider yourself a reference for other black people?

Having this place of speech, as they say, brings some responsibilities. That’s why I mentioned that I take advantage of the stage to send my warnings. In fact, which woman doesn’t sing to deliver her messages? I don’t miss a chance, I’m like that (laughs). Yes, there are a lot of people who ask me for advice and, as much as possible, I try to help. But I’m not a ‘Pythoness or mother Dinah’, no (laughs).

Does fame save you from racism?

Today, of course, I am known and people don’t have much courage to attack me with their prejudices. Because I’m not an ‘angel’ and people know that. But, at the beginning of my career, when I was returning from the nightclub where I worked, a police officer approached me asking: ‘Neguinha, what are you carrying in that bag?’. And I, who was carrying my trumpet, replied that black girl was his past. Of course he didn’t like it, he called me ‘very prominent’ and decided to put me in the van.

And how was the journey to the police station?

On the way, one of the girls there asked me if I was new to the place. But, fortunately, when we arrived at the police station, I was ‘saved’ by a police officer nicknamed Jacaré who knew me, as he had already seen me play in a nightclub. ‘Hey, leave this girl, free her, she’s from music, I know her…’

Do you remember a moment that took you seriously?

Once I was with Emílio Santiago [1946-2013] and a bar owner banned him from entering the club because he was black. I threw a trash can behind [na direção dela] when I saw she was coming.

In general, do you have hope for a less racist future?

Of course I have hopes. I reiterate that we are opening paths, sometimes with great difficulties, almost using forceps, but we continue to move forward. Our struggles have been going on for a long time, transcending centuries, but there has never been a lack of voices against oppression. Every day, we are more aware of our identity and role in society

Have you ever considered going into politics?

No way!!! Being a candidate for public office? Never! My ‘deal’ with God on this Earth was to sing, I can’t change that.

Do you think the new generations will have a fairer world?
We can help by doing what we can. We at Mangueira, for example, have created many projects aimed at encouraging kids to study. At our junior school, Mangueira do Ajante, children can only parade if they are studying and passing the year. It is a way of educating, forming a citizen. Attitudes and projects that prove promising, in my humble opinion, can transform lives.