A Self-Guided Black History Audio Tour of Rio de Janeiro’s Little Africa

Gamboa, the city’s port area, is full of secrets, hidden history and forgotten stories that, once uncovered, can shed light on a fascinating part of Rio de Janeiro. On this self-guided GPS walking tour, you’ll visit several sensitive sites like the Valongo Wharf where slaves arriving from Africa disembarked, and Pedra do Sal where they settled. Through the port and art districts, you’ll learn about the slave trade, the bittersweet history of sugar mills and coffee farms, and the struggles and resilience of everyday people. My name is Kelly Tavares, and I’ll be your guide on this audio tour. I hope to offer you an understanding of Brazilian culture, unveil the myth of racial democracy in this country, and teach you about our diaspora. Along the way, I’ll explain why sharing, listening, and exchanging stories empowers our communities. After downloading the tour onto the VoiceMap app, you'll be able to enjoy the tour on location or virtually at home.