Brazil: a negationist of racism at the head of a pro-black foundation

Brazilian justice on Wednesday canceled an appeal which had suspended the appointment of a personality denying the existence of racism at the head of the Palmares foundation, a public body defending Afro-Brazilian culture. Journalist by training, Sergio Camargo, who describes himself on his Twitter account as a " black on the right, anti-victimization ", welcomed on this social network this decision which according to him is a " defeat for the racists of the left " .

“ The decision which prevented me from chairing the Palmares foundation has been overturned. I will be able to take my post. It's a great day, ”he added. The Superior Court of Justice annulled the decision of a federal judge who had blocked this appointment in December, considering that the words of Mr. Camargo " offend the public who must be protected " by the Palmares foundation.

Sergio Camargo has hit the headlines several times on social media, claiming that slavery has been “ beneficial for Afro-descendants ”. He also used the term " nutella racism " to diminish the importance of this scourge in Brazil, opposing it to the " real racism " present, according to him, in the United States.

Sergio Camargo also called American black activist Angela Davis " communist and horrible old woman " or judged that Marielle Franco, black city councilor of Rio de Janeiro, murdered in 2018, should " die because that's only how it will stop bugging us . ” He was appointed head of the Palmares foundation in November by Roberto Alvim, who at the time was the culture secretary of the government of far-right president Jair Bolsonaro.

Mr. Alvim was sacked a month ago after causing a huge scandal with a speech directly inspired by the head of Nazi propaganda, Joseph Goebbels, paraphrasing passages on " heroic and national " art. He will be replaced by the famous actress Regina Duarte, who, once she takes office, will be responsible for confirming or not the appointment of Sergio Camargo.