BLACK VOICES IN HISTORY TEACHING:

The role of literature by Maria Firmina dos Reis and Conceição Evaristo

Abstract

This article aims to discuss the interlocution between the teaching of History and the use of literature as a pedagogical tool that facilitates the teaching-learning process.  For this, the novel Úrsula, by Maria de Firmina dos Reis, the book Ponciá Vicêncio and the poem Vozes Mulheres, both by Conceição Evaristo, were used.  The work of Firmina dos Reis, from Maranhão, published in 1860, allows us to (re)think the role of enslaved subjects and the dynamics of slavery during the Brazilian Empire.  Evaristo's writings, on the other hand, provide a rich discussion around the place of the black population in this century and, to a large extent, allow us to perceive the nuances and permanencies of the logic of slavery still present today.  The introduction of these texts in the classroom aims to break with an intellectual, cultural, scientific and educational silencing imposed on the production and dissemination of works by black authors, especially women.  The common point established to unite two authors belonging to different historical contexts was the concept of dororidade, an element that will permeate throughout the article as a tool of confluence and dialogue with the black population, whether during the imperial period or today.