Between mirrors and escrevivências

an experience report on the course “Breaking Margins”, by Conceição Evaristo

Abstract

This experience report aimed to share reflections arising from my participation in the course “Breaking Margins”, led by Conceição Evaristo, held at Casa Rui Barbosa in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The course was offered in both in-person and remote formats and consisted of four meetings, each lasting three hours. Drawing on the concept of escrevivência as a collective practice of denunciation and affirmation, the meetings highlighted the role of memory and experience in the construction of narratives that reconfigure social markers of difference, particularly with regard to Afro-Brazilian and Afro-diasporic women. In this report, I seek to share impressions and insights, focusing on teacher education grounded in anti-racism and escrevivência. I emphasize the most significant moments during the sessions and establish a connection with my work as a teacher educator in the state public school system of Rio de Janeiro, composing an affective and professional crossing. Furthermore, this report aimed to reach those who were unable to attend the course, offering them a glimpse of its content and of the power of Conceição Evaristo’ presence. At the same time, it aimed to engage those who attended, as an opportunity to revisit experiences and reactivate the reflections prompted by the author.