“Having arrived in our country often from sister nations in language and culture, it is imperative that people of African descent can find a horizon of hope in Portugal,” reads the note published today on the Presidency of the Republic’s website, which emphasizes that people of African descent “enhance and enrich” Portuguese culture and society.
Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa also argued that this commemoration should constitute “a milestone for the elimination of all forms of discrimination against people of African descent” and strengthen reception and integration.
“Often neighbors in language and history, people of African descent should be able to aspire to be full citizens among us, in their expectations, life plans, and future sketches. May this day mark the importance of a neighborhood without prejudice and guide the need for a more fraternal and just coexistence,” he concluded.
