The city of Alagoa Grande, in Paraíba, “dazzled” last weekend. The Movement of Working Women of Paraíba (MMT-PB) held, from August 21 to 27, the Margarida Maria Alves Pedagogical Week, in the city of Alagoa Grande (PB), birthplace of the militant Margarida Maria Alves, who gives its name to the Marcha das Margaridas, which annually brings together, in Brasília, about 100 thousand women from all over the country.
The event in the city of Paraíba marked the commemoration of the 90th anniversary of the birth of Margarida Alves, in addition to remembering the 40 years of impunity for the murder of the militant, killed by landowners at the door of her home, in Alagoa Grande, on August 12, 1983. Margarida was one of the first women to hold a union leadership position in the country.
Last weekend’s event included activities in schools in the city, at the Casa Museu Margarida Maria Alves and at the Union of Rural Workers of Alagoa Grande.
“Being a countrywoman of Margarida already inspires me a lot. Living Margarida’s fight fills me with pride. In memory of truth and justice, against impunity for the crime that stole his life 40 years ago. Margarida lives, through our hearts, through our voice and through our commitment to the fight for rights, dignity and social justice”, highlighted Joane Brito, organizer and member of the MMT.
With a strong participation of teachers from the municipality, the event provided a study on Margarida’s biography, held a poetic and cultural soiree, took storytelling to children and showed documentaries that address the history of her struggle, in addition to expanding the debate through conversation wheels.
:: After 40 years of her murder, Margarida Maria Alves is still alive in the struggle of women ::
On Saturday (26), the public fair and the city center were taken over by the rhythm, colors and ancestry of the cirandeiras from Quilombo Caiana dos Crioulos. There was ciranda and coco de roda on the bandstand in the square. And the night was a celebration of the 90th anniversary of Margarida’s birth, with a presentation of the show “Margarida Viva”, at Teatro Santa Ignez, and a show with the singer from Paraíba, Renata Arruda.
Members of the Ciranda de Caiana dos Crioulos group / Photo: Carla Batista
On Sunday (27), women and men from the countryside, from the city, from various social movements, organizations, associations, unions and political representatives marched from the house where Margarida Alves lived and died to the Igreja Matriz Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem, where Mass was celebrated in his honor.
:: With 100,000 farmers in Brasília, Marcha das Margaridas demands access to land and the fight against violence ::
Moment of the March leaving the house where Margarida Alves / Carla Batista lived and died
Also on Sunday, a ceremony featured a performance by the violist Soledade in front of the Union of Rural Workers of Alagoa Grande.
Soledade Violeira during tribute to Margarida Maria Alves / Carla Batista
“I miss Margarida a lot. The act was more of our duty. And it was wonderful. We continue with our fight, with our commitment to keep that flame alive. The memory of Margarida always. Her fight was worthy. On behalf of oppressed workers who suffered, women, children without education. A struggle for class, respect, hope. That is why we cannot remain silent in the face of this cruel murder. We weren’t celebrating his death. We carry a message of peace, respect and solidarity in memory of our partner. Her flag cannot be dropped into a corner of a wall. This flag must always have someone to hoist it and to say that Margarida lives in our midst. Let’s celebrate this great heroine”, exclaimed Soledade viola.
To see more photos from the event, visit @brasildefatopb on Instagram.
*With information from MMT-PB advisory
Source: BdF Paraíba
Editing: Polyanna Gomes
