Introduction

This chapter introduces the volume by acknowledging Black resistance movements throughout the world and contextualizing the Black Lives Movement within these historical events. Black Brazilians organized against police brutality long before the Black Lives Matter movement came about in the United States. These movements are not competing movements but are all part of transnational efforts of African descendants throughout the Americas to seek freedom. Moreover, seeking freedom is not limited to street protests. Today’s protests occur through social media platforms, academic conferences and workshops, legislation, and through economic efforts that lead to self-empowerment. This volume brings together scholars studying African diasporic countries, including Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Peru, Colombia, and Cuba.