Entre a preteza e a brancura brilha o Cruzeiro do Sul: associativismo e identidade negra em uma localidade teuto-brasileira (Novo Hamburgo/RS)

Abstract

The present study approaches the foundation in 1922 and the history of a club for black people, which was located in an area occupied by German descendants in the city of Novo Hamburgo, in the Vale do Rio dos Sinos, RS. The club named Cruzeiro do Sul originated from a social and collective project for the organization of a space for social integration of black people. Its historical construction is permeated by discussions about racial democracy, as well as the organization of strategies and fellowships that went beyond the limits of Novo Hamburgo. The association of those involved was the way to oppose the social exclusion in a scenario well known for being historically of “Germanic culture”. Thus, the Associação Esportiva, Cultural, Beneficente Sociedade Cruzeiro do Sul is analyzed as a path breaker of African descent association in the Vale do Sinos region. The historical path trailed by the association translates the union for common interests, grounded on ethnic identity and solidarity as opposed to the