Government ignores Black Awareness Day and upsets supporters

One of the main banners of the government of the President of the Republic, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT), the defense of the rights of black people has always been a theme that gained known prominence within the PT governments. This, in fact, led to the creation of a ministry, that of Racial Equality, led by minister Anielle Franco. Despite the speech, the practice, especially regarding Black Awareness Day, celebrated next Monday (20), is generating friction between the government and the black movement.

The discomfort is due to the fact that the date, considered a milestone for the movement, was ignored by the federal government. Even in states and municipalities in which November 20th was established as a holiday, the PT government determined that the work of federal employees will be mandatory.

When questioned, the Ministry of Management and Innovation in Public Services stated that it only followed the rule established by Law No. 9,093/1995, which determines the civil and religious holidays that must be observed by direct, autonomous and foundational Federal Public Administration bodies and entities. of the Executive Branch.

National Black Awareness Day is on the official holiday calendar in only five states in Brazil: Alagoas, Amazonas, Amapá, Mato Grosso and Rio de Janeiro.