BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Ahead of Brazilian Independence Day on Sept. 7, multiple state representatives held a celebration in the Great Hall at the Massachusetts State House.
State Reps. Rita Mendes and Priscila Sousa, hosted the event, which consisted of Brazilian music and folklore dances, such as the dance of the ox.
Rep. Sousa explained that the ox represents strength, endurance and community unity, all characteristics that are needed in today’s political climate.
“It’s an act of defiance,” Sousa said. “They want us to be scared, they want us to be hidden and isolated and siloed, so we are here unapologetically.”
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She said how happy she was with how many people got involved in these celebrations and was thankful for all the support that allowed such events like this to happen.
“So many cities and towns throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts have embraced Brazilian Independence Day,” she said. “I would be remiss in saying that we wouldn’t be able to do this had it not been for the effort for those before us, and I am bursting with gratitude.”
Connecticut Rep. Farley Santos was a keynote speaker at the event and was the first Brazilian American elected to the state’s general assembly.
The Brazilian flag was raised at the state house, coincidently around the same time the American flag was raised in São Paulo, where the Kanas City Chiefs and LA Chargers are playing their first game of the season.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Jay Willett (@JayWillettWBZ) reports.