¡Para Frente! Brazilians in Massachusetts
October 24, 2024
On October 24, the Boston Foundation’s Edgerley Center for Civic Leadership was filled with energy and pride as the Latino Equity Fund hosted the launch of the report titled “Brazilians in the Greater Boston Region: Building Community for More than a Half Century." This vibrant gathering brought together Brazilian community leaders, community-based organizations, business leaders, and researchers to celebrate and learn about the state of the Brazilian community in Massachusetts.
In partnership with Instituto Diáspora Brasil, the event marked the launch of an important report commemorating half a century of the Brazilian community’s contributions to Massachusetts. The report, authored by researchers Álvaro Lima and Mariana Dutra and commissioned by the Latino Equity Fund, offers an in-depth analysis of the demographics, history, and economic impact of Brazilians in Greater Boston, tracing the community’s journey and their vital role in the state’s fabric.
The program included participation from notable Brazilian-led organizations around the state, such as the Brazilian Association of International Press, Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, Brazilian Women’s Group, Brazilian Workers Center, SourceHub, New England Community Center, Centro Brasileiro - Americano (BRACE), Instituto Diáspora Brasil, and the Brazilian Community Heritage Foundation. These organizations highlighted their significant contributions and the challenges and opportunities faced by the community.
The report revealed Massachusetts’ distinction as home to the second-largest Brazilian population in the United States, second only to Florida. Through interviews and focus groups with second-generation Brazilians, community-based organizations, entrepreneurs, religious leaders, and artists, the research paints a vivid picture of the Brazilian community’s past, present, and future aspirations. These insights underscore opportunities to better support and integrate the community into Massachusetts’ broader social and economic landscape.
Attendees were treated to a celebration of Brazilian culture, featuring delicious bites and libations from Alma Gaucha and a musical performance by Tarcisco Alves and Arreiamar. The event was not only an opportunity to reflect on the incredible journey of Brazilian immigrants but also a call to action for philanthropy to increase its support to great organizations supporting this community.
As the Latino Equity Fund continues its mission to foster equity and opportunity, this forum serves as a powerful reminder of the rich cultural and economic contributions of the Brazilian community to Massachusetts.
In partnership with Instituto Diáspora Brasil, the event marked the launch of an important report commemorating half a century of the Brazilian community’s contributions to Massachusetts. The report, authored by researchers Álvaro Lima and Mariana Dutra and commissioned by the Latino Equity Fund, offers an in-depth analysis of the demographics, history, and economic impact of Brazilians in Greater Boston, tracing the community’s journey and their vital role in the state’s fabric.
The program included participation from notable Brazilian-led organizations around the state, such as the Brazilian Association of International Press, Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, Brazilian Women’s Group, Brazilian Workers Center, SourceHub, New England Community Center, Centro Brasileiro - Americano (BRACE), Instituto Diáspora Brasil, and the Brazilian Community Heritage Foundation. These organizations highlighted their significant contributions and the challenges and opportunities faced by the community.
The report revealed Massachusetts’ distinction as home to the second-largest Brazilian population in the United States, second only to Florida. Through interviews and focus groups with second-generation Brazilians, community-based organizations, entrepreneurs, religious leaders, and artists, the research paints a vivid picture of the Brazilian community’s past, present, and future aspirations. These insights underscore opportunities to better support and integrate the community into Massachusetts’ broader social and economic landscape.
Attendees were treated to a celebration of Brazilian culture, featuring delicious bites and libations from Alma Gaucha and a musical performance by Tarcisco Alves and Arreiamar. The event was not only an opportunity to reflect on the incredible journey of Brazilian immigrants but also a call to action for philanthropy to increase its support to great organizations supporting this community.
As the Latino Equity Fund continues its mission to foster equity and opportunity, this forum serves as a powerful reminder of the rich cultural and economic contributions of the Brazilian community to Massachusetts.
