The African slaves brought to Bahia, especially those of the Bantu ethnic group, developed numerous musical and dance traditions. Most originated in the recôncavo region during the colonial era and are still practiced today. Some, such as samba and capoeira, have gained international popularity. The samba-de-roda is a dance done by soloists in the center of a circle. Capoeira is an intricate dance/martial art created by slaves for the purpose of defending themselves. …showed first 75 words of 403 total…

…showed last 75 words of 403 total…s and blocos Afros that emerged in the 1970s in Bahia organized blacks not only to celebrate African and Afro-Brazilian history, but to work for political change. While blacks in Bahia still lag behind other segments of the state's population in a host of socioeconomic categories, their mobilization around issues of race is creating conditions for improving the lives of people of African descent throughout Brazil. By: Jermaine Augmon ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **Bibliography** African Slaves in Brazil