Escravidão e abolicionismo na imprensa mineira do século XIX

Abstract

This essay reflects on the racial aspects found in 19th century press narratives in Minas Gerais. Throughout the 19th century, newspapers from different regions of the province published texts that, in very different ways, report on the imposed processes of violence, the emancipatory and/or reactionary movements in which they took part, as well as the struggle of Blacks for freedom and other rights. In this period, Minas Gerais recorded the largest number of enslaved people in the Empire. The enslavement of Black people is, therefore, a key aspect for understanding the social, economic and identity relations. The text thus emphasizes the role of the Minas Gerais press in spreading and naturalizing racist ideals, while also highlighting its diffuse role in creating an abolitionist network put forth by some printed press, albeit without this intention.