Entrepreneurs' Fair Values Afro-Brazilian Culture at the Integrated Center for Inclusion and Rehabilitation
Edition in honor of Black Consciousness Month reinforces identity, representation, and self-esteem through Afro art and aesthetics
This month dedicated to Black Consciousness, which reinforces the appreciation of Afro-Brazilian identity and the fight against racism, the Integrated Center for Inclusion and Rehabilitation (CIIR), through the Art and Culture sector, held another monthly edition of the Entrepreneurs' Fair. The program energized the hall of block C of the institution in Belém, between the 25th and 27th, and brought together users, companions, and collaborators in an environment marked by creativity, diversity, and cultural strengthening.
The initiative featured stands of handicrafts, accessories, sustainable products, and artistic expressions. In this edition, one of the main highlights was the braiding service, which piqued the public's curiosity and stimulated dialogues about ancestry, Afro aesthetics, and self-esteem.
The supervisor of the Art and Culture sector, Denise Morais, explains that holding the fair during Black Consciousness Month gave even more meaning to the action. She emphasizes that the fair aims to value talents, give visibility to entrepreneurs, and strengthen bonds within the CIIR.
“Holding it this month amplifies this purpose because it reaffirms the importance of Black culture and representation. When we open space for these knowledges to circulate, we foster respect, combat prejudice, and reinforce that Afro-Brazilian aesthetics and art are part of our history. It is inclusion, welcome, and identity,” she pointed out.
Culture, art, and income that inspire new generations – Among the exhibitors, the Paty Tranças stand caught the public's attention with the motto “Style and Elegance in Every Braid.” Making her debut at the event, braider Patricia Assunção, 49, presented techniques such as box braids and nangôs. She shares that her journey began in childhood when she learned the craft from her mother, who is now 86 years old.
Patricia emphasizes that showcasing her work through Afro-Brazilian culture is important because she believes “this traditional knowledge deserves the appreciation it merits.” For the professional, braids symbolize nature, art, and the beauty of Black women, but she reinforces that anyone can wear them and feel good with the style.
“I have been working with this for 40 years, bringing self-esteem to many women. Sometimes they come in insecure due to a procedure that didn’t go well and find in braids a way to feel beautiful again. I am happy to be here because I see many interested people and other entrepreneurs sharing their talents. Each braid carries a story.
Identity – Nursing technician Marilene Araujo, 39, was at the CIIR accompanying her grandson, Noah Ravy, who is only 10 months old, during a break in appointments when she discovered the stand and decided to try the service.
“I identify with Black culture and found this initiative here at the Center very interesting. It is a way to support, value, and give visibility to such beautiful work. I decided to do it because I found it different, beautiful, and elegant. And when someone is doing it, it attracts more attention and encourages others as well. I liked it a lot and found it essential to have something like this here at the CIIR.”
The edition of the inclusive trade reinforced CIIR's commitment to social inclusion, the appreciation of diverse identities, and the circulation of knowledge that strengthens bonds and promotes respect.
Reference – The CIIR is a state reference in medium and high complexity assistance to People with Disabilities (PwD) visual, physical, auditory, and intellectual. Access to services is made through referrals from health units, via the Municipal Regulation Center, which directs requests to State Regulation. The user's profile is analyzed by the State Regulation System (SER).
Service: The CIIR is an agency of the Government of Pará, managed by the National Institute of Social and Human Development (INDSH), in partnership with the State Department of Public Health (Sespa). The unit is located at Rodovia Arthur Bernardes, 1000, Val-de-Cães neighborhood, in Belém. More information: (91) 4042-2157/ 58/ 59.
Text by Tarcísio Barbosa / Ascom CIIR
