MISTI Blogs

When I first decided to travel to the vibrant country of Brazil, I had no idea what awaited me. As an MIT student and a Black man who has traveled abroad, but not to South America, I anticipated cultural differences. But I didn’t expect the unique and touching ways I would find connections to my culture and identity in my host culture.

A surprising connection: Vinicius Jr.
“Vini Jr!,” shouted the kids as I walked by them downtown. “Você parece o Vini Jr, da seleção brasileira de futebol,” explained my Uber driver. “Hello Vinicius!” exclaims my supervisor when I arrive at the office.

Being an avid football fan, I am fully aware of the Brazilian phenomenon: Vinicius Jr. He has not only taken the football world by storm with his play on the field, but he has also become a worldwide celebrity because of his fashion and superstardom. But not until I arrived here in Brazil would I have ever thought I resembled Vini Jr. Nor would anybody in the United States make that connection–or express it, even if they thought so. This was the first cultural difference I realized upon my travels here to Brazil: the freedom of expression without the ever-existing worry of offending somebody.

Embracing the warmth of Brazilian culture
In Brazil, I’ve found an unashamedly expressive culture. The warmth and openness of the people here have been nothing short of heartwarming. Strangers call out to me on the streets, connecting me to someone they admire and love. It’s a simple yet powerful gesture that makes me feel seen and appreciated in a foreign land. In Brazil, I’ve learned to embrace spontaneity, to dance like no one’s watching, and to live with a lighter heart. The Brazilian way of life, with its emphasis on community, celebration, and expression, has influenced me profoundly. It’s taught me the importance of being open to new experiences and the value of finding common ground with people from different backgrounds.

Finding community
One of the most profound experiences during my stay has been finding a community that welcomes me with open arms. At home in Atlanta and at MIT, I’m part of many different communities that I can always fall back on. Coming to Brazil, although I had been here before in January for a MISTI program, I was still worried I might feel isolated. However, the connections I made during my three-week stay in January and the new friends I have made at my workplace have proven incredibly supportive and inclusive.

I’ve played football and basketball with friends, participated in samba nights, and been brought to different landmarks across the city I never visited before. These activities have allowed me to meet people who share my passion for football and music, and who understand the significance of cultural heritage. 

The Afro-Brazilian community has particularly resonated with me, highlighting the rich history and contributions of Black Brazilians to the country’s culture. Although there are not many here in Manaus, there is still the sense of connectedness that I feel upon every encounter. Even though we do not share the same history, there is a silent acknowledgment between black people here. This journey has not only been about discovering Brazil but also about rediscovering myself. The cultural exchange has broadened my perspective and deepened my understanding of what it means to be Black in different parts of the world. The resilience, joy, and creativity of the Black community here have inspired me and reaffirmed my pride in my identity.

The journey ahead
My time in Brazil has been a journey of cultural discovery and personal growth. From the surprising connection to Vinicius Jr. to finding a supportive community, every moment has been enriching. This experience has reminded me of the power of cultural exchange and the beauty of finding touchstones to my culture in unexpected places. As I still have weeks ahead of me, I have more to explore, but I am now extremely optimistic about what more I will discover.