Dando voz à comunidade | Rene Silva | TEDxPedradoPenedo

Summary

The speaker recounts their journey as a community journalist from the Morro do Adeus in Brazil, starting at just 11 years old. Motivated by the lack of positive media representation for their community, they initiated a school newspaper that highlighted both achievements and challenges. A pivotal moment arose during a police invasion, where their real-time Twitter updates garnered national attention. This led to numerous opportunities, including speaking engagements and collaborations. Today, they continue to empower their community through journalism, advocating for social change and showcasing the cultural richness often overlooked by mainstream media.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker began their journey in community journalism at the age of 11, motivated by a desire to showcase the realities of their neighborhood, Complexo do Alemão.
• 📖 They started a school newspaper project that highlighted both positive and negative aspects of school life, revealing the power of media to instigate change.
• 📰 The community journal emerged from the realization that mainstream media often overlooked the social issues and cultural richness of their community.
• 🤝 Initial skepticism from adults in the community transformed into support as the journal began yielding results, prompting local authorities to address pressing issues.
• 🚓 A pivotal moment occurred during a police invasion in 2010 when the speaker used Twitter to document events, gaining national attention and credibility.
• 🌍 The speaker's real-time reporting during the invasion contrasted with sensationalist portrayals in mainstream media, highlighting the need for authentic voices.
• ✨ Increased visibility led to opportunities, including collaboration with influential figures like Luciano Huck and invitations to speak at significant events.
• 🏅 The speaker had the honor of carrying the Olympic torch in 2012, marking a significant achievement in their advocacy work.
• 🎉 Today, the community journalism initiative continues to empower local voices and foster cultural events, aiming to inspire pride and unity among residents.
• 💪 The speaker emphasizes that social transformation begins with individual action and that everyone can contribute to meaningful change in their communities.

Q & A

What motivated the speaker to start a community newspaper?

The speaker was motivated by the lack of representation of their community in mainstream media and a desire to highlight both the positive and negative aspects of life in the Morro do Adeus community.

At what age did the speaker begin their journey in journalism?

The speaker began their journey in journalism at the age of 11.

What challenges did the speaker face when trying to join the school journalism project?

The speaker faced challenges due to their age, as the project was initially limited to older students. However, they persisted and eventually gained acceptance.

How did the community newspaper impact local issues?

The community newspaper brought attention to local issues, resulting in faster responses from authorities to problems like lack of educational materials and poor infrastructure.

What was the significance of the police invasion in 2010 for the speaker?

The police invasion in 2010 was a turning point for the speaker, as they used Twitter to report on the situation in real-time, which gained widespread attention and highlighted the importance of local voices in media.

How did social media play a role in the speaker's journey?

Social media, particularly Twitter, allowed the speaker to share updates during the police invasion, connect with a broader audience, and gain followers, including notable public figures who were concerned about their safety.

What opportunities arose for the speaker after gaining attention from the media?

After gaining media attention, the speaker received invitations to speak at events, was invited to carry the Olympic torch in 2012, and participated in various projects that promoted community journalism.

What is the current focus of the Voz da Comunidade organization?

Voz da Comunidade focuses on community journalism, empowering local residents, addressing social issues, and hosting cultural events to give a voice to the community.

What message does the speaker want to convey about social change?

The speaker emphasizes that social change begins with individuals and communities, and encourages others to believe in their capacity to drive transformation.

How did the speaker's early efforts in journalism evolve over time?

The speaker's early efforts in journalism evolved from a small community newspaper to a larger initiative that engages with local and national issues, culminating in a broader platform for community empowerment and representation.