Cultures of Resistance

The famous "City of God" slum in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is a site of abandonment. Vital social services provided by the government to other parts of the city never reach the favelas, where the majority of the population is Afro-Brazilian. Hip-hop artist MV Bill says, “historically, the only arm of government that enters that community is the police.” MV Bill is one of many residents who are determined to change the community by both steering youth away from violence and altering public perceptions. As an MC, he uses his lyrics to voice his complaints against the state. As a social activist MV Bill is the co-founder of Central Única das Favelas (CUFA), a network of NGOs working in urban areas across Brazil to engage youth in music, sports, and the arts. His network has now spread to 11 countries, including offices in the Spain, Argentina, and the United States. MV Bill says of his work, “My biggest inspiration is waking up every day… seeing the transformation that has happened over the years, and realizing how much more we need to accomplish.” This short film profiles MV Bill and others who are working for a more just, peaceful community in the favelas.

If you are passionate about helping put an end to the overwhelming violence in Brazil's urban slums, we have identified a number of groups with which you can join to make a meaningful contribution. You can volunteer with MV Bill's organization, Central Única das Favelas (CUFA), by working with kids in one of their regional branches. If you are looking to work directly in inner city areas in the United States, you can join with CUFA USA volunteers in using street art, hip-hop, filmmaking, and other arts to engage young people in positive, creative endeavors. If you want to focus your energies on the favelas surrounding Rio de Janeiro, Viva Rio welcomes volunteers to help out in their education and job training initiatives and in deploying donations of humanitarian supplies. To learn more about how to work for more peaceful inner-city communities, visit our Take Action page's section on getting involved in the favelas.