Graceful Resistance: How Capoeiristas Use Their Art for Activism and Community Engagement

Capoeira is a martial art that originated from enslaved Afro-Brazilians and has evolved to incorporate song, dance, acrobatics, and theatrical improvisation. It is deeply connected to resistance and subversion, and practitioners use it to march against racial discrimination, celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth, organize professional clothing drives for job seekers, and pursue economic and environmental justice in their neighborhoods. Capoeira is a type of serious leisure that contributes to personal growth, a sense of belonging, and an overall sense of self, while also imposing duties and obligations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 206 pages
Publication date: 20 June 2023
Publisher: University of Illinois Press

Capoeira, a captivating martial art that originated from the enslaved Afro-Brazilians, has evolved into a vibrant and multifaceted practice. Today, it encompasses not only physical combat but also elements of song, dance, acrobatics, and theatrical improvisation, captivating the hearts of many participants. Beyond its physical training, capoeira has become a powerful catalyst for social justice activism, drawing individuals and communities together in a shared pursuit of resistance and subversion.

Through extensive participant observation with various capoeira groups in the United States, Lauren Miller Griffiths has delved deep into the lives of capoeiristas, both individuals and groups. Her ethnography sheds light on the profound connection between capoeira and resistance, showcasing how practitioners utilize their skills to march against racial discrimination, celebrate important holidays like Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth, organize professional clothing drives for job seekers, and advocate for economic and environmental justice in their neighborhoods.

Capoeira, for these individuals, becomes more than just a form of leisure; it becomes a transformative force that contributes to personal growth, a sense of belonging, and an overall sense of self. It imposes duties and obligations, urging practitioners to use their skills for the greater good and to be agents of change in their communities.

In her book, "Graceful Resistance: An Innovative Look at Capoeira in America," Griffith offers a fresh perspective on capoeira in America. She reveals how the practice of an art can catalyze action and transform communities, showcasing the power of capoeira to inspire and empower individuals to stand up against injustice and work towards a more equitable society.

Through her captivating storytelling and in-depth analysis, Griffith invites readers to explore the rich tapestry of capoeira, its historical roots, its cultural significance, and its role in shaping the lives of its practitioners. She sheds light on the challenges faced by capoeiristas, both within and outside the ring, and highlights the ways in which capoeira has become a tool for resilience, self-expression, and social change.

"Graceful Resistance" is a testament to the power of art to inspire and transform, and it serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, individuals can harness their skills and passions to create positive change in their communities. It is a must-read for anyone interested in martial arts, social justice, or the intersection of culture and activism.

Weight: 318g
Dimension: 228 x 152 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780252087196