Discussion: The life story and intellectual contributions of Luiz Gama

The King's Brazil Institute invites you to a discussion on 'The life story and intellectual contributions of Luiz Gama' with Bruno Lima. The talk will be chaired by Dr Andreza Aruska de Souza Santos and Ms Natali Moreira.

The life story and intellectual contributions of Luiz Gama, a distinguished black poet and lawyer, assume a paramount significance, particularly owing to his unique status as the sole Brazilian writer who endured a life marked by captivity. Born in Salvador da Bahia to a liberated African mother, Gama's life took a pivotal turn at the age of ten when his father sold him into slavery. He remained enslaved until the age of eighteen when, through his resourcefulness, he secured undeniable proof of his freedom. Following his emancipation, Gama transitioned through various roles, including military service and a successful career as a public notary. Despite lacking formal legal training, he petitioned astutely for the right to practice law, ultimately rising to prominence as one of the nation's most renowned legal practitioners. His remarkable journey spanned poetry, literature, politics, and jurisprudence, where he made substantive and innovative contributions.

Luiz Gama's life and work provide invaluable insights into the interplay and mutual enrichment of diverse fields of knowledge. A central theme of Gama's intellectual pursuits was the concept of race. In a society deeply intertwined with slavery, located in one of the most racially diverse regions of the Atlantic world, race became a fundamental determinant of citizenship. Gama's extensive body of work profoundly explored this subject, contributing to an original understanding of racism in Brazil and significantly influencing early discussions on the concept of 'whiteness' within this context.

About the speaker

Bruno Lima