The challenge of decolonizing knowledge: the Marielle Franco Favela Dictionary

The article analyses the construction of the Marielle Franco Favelas Dictionary, which mobilized a collaborative effort carried out by academics and favela residents. It discusses points of consensus and disagreement about the different forms of knowledge of academics, activists and favela residents. In addition, it presents the trajectory of the creation of the Dictionary that, today, incorporates different languages ​​and registers with the potential to expand the production of memory in the favelas.

Authors: Sonia Fleury, Clara Polycarpo, Marcelo Fornazin, Palloma Menezes.

Originally posted on: Salud Coletiva.

Abstract

Dominant social groups describe favelas based on negative stereotypes, which are increasingly being challenged by various collective actors. Originating from a collaborative effort carried out by academics and favela residents, the Marielle Franco Favela Dictionary is an online platform that aims to spread alternative narratives regarding these territories and their populations through collective knowledge building. This article discusses the common ground and points of contention regarding the different forms of knowledge held by academics, activists, and favela residents. Furthermore, we reconstruct the trajectory of the Dictionary’s creation, and in so doing overcome certain tensions and incorporate other languages and registers able to support the production of memory in favelas

Also

- El desafío de la descolonización del conocimiento: el Diccionario de favelas Marielle Franco

- Dicionário de Favelas Marielle Franco e a Descolonização do Conhecimento