Black women in EJA: understanding the challenges and strategies to fight racism at school

ABSTRACT This study sought to understand the life trajectory of black women in relation to school and the challenges and strategies for coping with racism in the school environment. This is a qualitative research, whose data were collected through interviews with black or brown women, inserted in education for young people and adults (educação de jovens e adultos — EJA), a public school teaching modality in Brazil. Data were analyzed using content analysis. Among the findings, school dropout due to lack of interest and limitations related to school attendance stood out, in addition a deficiency in the knowledge of the history and legacy of Afro-Brazilian culture. In order for these women to have their stories critically and respectfully valued, engagement of the school community in giving voice and visibility to black women is relevant, by highlighting the protagonism of these trajectories, centering and adapting the curriculum, the teaching materials and the training processes of teachers and school management.