Valongo Wharf

Valongo Wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage site tied to the transatlantic slave trade, serves as a contested space for public memory. While it celebrates African heritage and cultural expressions, its memorialization process risks domesticating Black culture within dominant ideologies, overlooking its potential to address racism in contemporary Brazil. The study analyzes how local, national, and international actors—including Black movements, intellectuals, and officials—shape the site's narrative, highlighting power dynamics that influence who controls access to resources and narratives. Federal neglect in developing an interpretation center further limits public understanding of the site’s significance. This research underscores the need for equitable recognition of racial histories to prevent the recurrence of racism.

Suiama, S. G. (2025). Valongo Wharf. Radical History Review, 2025(152), 53–69. https://doi.org/10.1215/01636545-11609947