Hi! I'm Melinda Gurr, a sociocultural anthropologist from Utah. This blog traces some of my travels and experiences in Latin America, starting with my doctoral dissertation in Brazil among youth of the Movimento dos Trabalhadores Rurais Sem Terra, MST, in Paraná, São Paulo, and Pernambuco, Brazil (2013-2014).
Check out some songs from my friends in SACI ARTE, militant-musicians from MST-PR.
Now, these are some of my favorite boys from the MST., and it's been a pleasure getting to know, hang out, jam, and have beers with Levi, Denilson, and Rodrigo.
Music is a powerful force in the MST, and an animating force for the movement's activist-musicians. They are incredibly talented and an example of what quality, do-it-yourself social movement culture can be.
The beginning of the Saci Arte show at the Festival, with a poem by Levi.
Part 2.
On the way to a recording session in Contestado, Lapa, PR 6/2013
Jam at the Casa Verde
Denilson, Melinda, Rodrigo
Festival of Artes, Por Aline da Silva
Sing it, Rodrigo--Meninas at the SED Ocupação em Curitiba.
Here are some photos that Ana Paula took! Ana Paula is 15 years old, and the twin sister to Paulinho. She works in the sugar agroindustry, and studies quite a bit. Many of these photos are from her 15th birthday party, which is a big deal for girls in Brazil. She dyed her hair blond, and friends and family were in attendance.
These are some cactus' at Daniela's house.
Luta pela terra!
Ana Paula studies quite a bit, and has private lessons.
Ana Paula and Jackson at Adriano's 21 birthday party!
The following photographs were shot by Bruna, 14 years old, who lives in COPAVI with her family.
Bruna grew up in MST encampments, and her family just arrived here in September-October. She loves COPAVI, because she made friends the very first day! More than this, living with water and electricity is much better. Lacking these basic necessities, life is rough.
She is working in the agroindustry, processing sugar, and she studies at night. She doesn't like school as much as she likes hanging out with her friends at COPAVI.
Bruna is very outgoing, hardworking, and always willing to help her parents.
