A Black Queen among white subjects”: trajectory of the black intellectual Conceição Soares Lopes in the History of Education in Ilhéus

Abstract

This chapter discusses the trajectory of the black intellectual Maria da Conceição Soares Lopes, in the city of Ilhéus-Bahia, between the 1920s and 1990s.  The discussion aims to highlight how, in addition to a biography, her political activity approaches the concepts of intellectuality and black leadership, bringing new perspectives to the History of Education, according to the Law n.  10.639/03.  The text highlights the need for recognition and inclusion at the scholar curriculum of the invisibility stories of black population, based on the experience of women, such as Conceição Lopes, which would impact the Basic Education curriculum.  Thus, the chapter is based on theoretical contributions between Social History and the History of Education, dialoguing with documentary sources such as newspapers, photographs, digitized private collections and regional memoirists writing. It will be managed through the methodology of documentary research, in a relation between micro-history and a biographical approach.  The reflections that underpin the chapter have pointed out that the inclusion of the trajectory of black female protagonists strengthens identity and confront structural racism that permeates Initial Teacher Training and include teaching in Basic Education.  Conceição Lopes' trajectory evokes new anti-racist, intersectional approaches and teaching methodologies and it is able to overhaul the concept of black intellectuality.