Activist and businessman Preto Zezé, co-founder of Central Única das Favelas (Cufa) and current president of Cufa RJ, received, this Monday (4), Dia Favela, the title of Honorary Citizen of Rio de Janeiro. The initiative was taken by the president of the Rio City Council, Carlo Caiado (PSD), together with the other members of the Board of Directors: Tânia Bastos (Republicans), Marcos Braz (PL), Rafael Aloísio Freitas (PSD) and William Coelho ( A.D).
Recognized as one of the greatest leaders in Brazilian favelas, Preto Zezé is an entrepreneur, artistic and musical producer, writer and Brazilian activist. The son of a domestic worker and a construction painter, he was raised in Favela das Quadras, in Fortaleza, and worked as a car washer at the age of 15, before taking up activism for social causes.
According to the Chamber, he became a prominent figure in the country’s social causes, in the debate on racism in Brazil and its relationship with social inequality. The activist fights for the valorization of favelas and, mainly, for the humanization and quality of life of their residents.
Preto Zezé promised to honor the recognition with a lot of work: “I want to add to the experiences that Rio already has and increasingly inspire Rio, which has its challenges, but also has its charms, as the anthem says. Favelas already add up to R$222 billion in consumer power and we cannot think of anything in Brazil without them. A favela is not a lack; It’s power,” he highlighted.
Councilor Carlo Caiado, who presided over the session, reinforced the importance of the relationship between the Legislature and the communities: “Favela is employability, social inclusion and tourism, and Preto Zezé represents this. We are very happy to be the conductor of this tribute, and the location could not be better: in the people’s house, which expresses the voice of the population”.
Present in the audience, Celso Athayde, one of the co-founders of Cufa, highlighted the importance of valuing communities: “I know how much people in favelas want to live less tense days and with fewer conflicts. For this to be a reality, the country needs to change.” The activist, who is internationally recognized for his fight for communities, also reinforced: “Politics is the way. There is no way out without politics.”
