O bairro negro do Trapiche em Santo Amaro - Bahia

Abstract

This research aims to: study the black neighborhood of Trapiche by answering some guiding questions that have guided this work on the black neighborhood of Trapiche: whether or not it is a quilombo; whether or not it is a fishing neighborhood; what categories of work exist in the black neighborhood of Trapiche; study and reflect on a city that is a reference for black culture by observing the production of the city based on black people, what are the processes of building the city with black people as the protagonists. The research methodology used to write this dissertation combined elements of qualitative research, immersion in the field and bibliographic analysis, adapted to the circumstances imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The main features of the methodology were: (1) initial bibliographical research, (2) immersion and field observation, (3) participatory research, (4) reflections on local reception. As a result, this study underlines the urgency of public policies that tackle structural inequalities and promote inclusive development in these marginalized areas. The history and current conditions of Trapiche illustrate the persistent challenges faced by black and poor communities in Brazil, requiring concrete action to guarantee basic rights and equal opportunities for all citizens. Conclusion. Despite all the arguments about the black neighborhood of Trapiche, despite some similarities, the neighborhood of Trapiche is not a quilombo, but it does have a strong identity as a black neighborhood, just like the concept of “urban quilombo” mentioned by Maria Estela Ramos at the beginning of this study. However, while writing this dissertation I mentioned the existence of a quilombola community nearby, called Cambuta, located in the Santo Amaro region, which reinforces the area's connection with quilombola struggle and culture. Although Trapiche is not explicitly identified as a quilombo, it shares some characteristics, such as cultural resistance and the predominance of a black population, functions that can be compared to those of an urban quilombo, according to the studies cited.