Black associativism as seen through Frederico Baptista de Souza's story - São Paulo (1870-1940)

Abstract

I propose investigating black associativism in São Paulo using as guide and conducting thread the trajectory of Frederico Baptisa de Souza. In his time, he was seen as a leader of clubs and associations and he also had influence in several titles of the black press. Still not truly explored, his long history of activism goes back to the end of the nineteenth century and remains at least until de beginning of the 1930s. Frederico's interaction with other leaders of the black movement point to political disputes that were removed both from his biography and from other, posterior accounts written by chroniclers. The discovery of hidden conflict communicates unknown aspects of important groups such as the Clarim d'Alvorada, the Sociedade Cooperadora Clarim d'Alvorada, and the Frente Negra Brasileira, in which he was in office in crucial moments of the organization. Aside from his participation in black clubs and newspapers, he was involved in political parties and religious confraternity and was also a public employee at the Law School for over 40 years. Researching his individual experience will allow for a better understanding on the black movement in São Paulo and a broader picture of the alliances with other organized sectors of society. Therefore, this research will lead to new historiographical interpretations on black associativism during the post-abolition period in the city of São Paulo.