EDUCATION AN INSTRUMENT FOR ENHANCEMENT OF AFRODESCENDANT IDENTITY

Abstract

This study aims to analyze how public education policies act as instruments for valuing Afro-descendant identity in contemporary Brazil. To this end, a qualitative, descriptive study was conducted, based on a literature review. The analysis revealed that laws and guidelines represent significant advances in promoting racial equality by introducing content and opportunities focused on recognizing the culture and history of the Black population. However, the results also highlight structural limitations, such as gaps in teacher training, a lack of adequate teaching materials, and weaknesses in the effective implementation of these measures. It was observed that such policies not only favor Black students' access to and retention in the educational system but also contribute to strengthening self-esteem, belonging, and cultural protagonism. The conclusion is that, although fundamental, these actions require greater political and pedagogical commitment to consolidate themselves as transformative practices capable of confronting structural racism and promoting an effectively anti-racist education.