This week in What’s Happening in Brazil, we look into how five years after a dam disaster in the town of Mariana, located in the state of Minas Gerais, victims have yet to be fully compensated and are being left to rot by those responsible. When the Fundão dam ruptured on November 5th, 2015, 19 people died and an estimated 700,000 lost their livelihoods due to criminal activity by mining giants Samarco, Vale and BHP Billiton.
In out Story of the Week, we investigate the dire situation firefighters risking their lives to save Brazil’s important ecosystems are facing: not being paid for the noble service they are providing. The governmental agency responsible for protecting Brazil’s environment, known as Ibama, is lacking the manpower to adequately do its job, thus allowing for illegal loggers and land grabbers to destroy our nation’s natural heritage.
In our Culture Talk segment, we discuss a new book published by Quilombola women. Quilombos are farming communes founded by former slaves. Largely forgotten and many times discriminated against by the Federal government, these women share their stories, and make their voices heard through essays, poems and song.
In this week’s edition we will also discuss the case of Mari Ferrer, a digital influencer who accused a powerful businessman of rape, only to be humiliated and dehumanized during legal proceedings.
Finally, to wrap things up, in our Brazilianism segment we will teach a simple, yet delicious local recipe, as well as play you some quality Brazilian music.
All What's Happening in Brazil episodes are available at Brasil de Fato's YouTube channel, where you'll also find a special English-content playlist.
Partners who wish to include a longer version of the show in their schedule may contact our international team at [email protected] or send a WhatsApp message to +55 11 993 055 156.
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Edited by: Ítalo Piva
