The list of the 100 nominees was released this Monday in Lisbon in an initiative promoted in conjunction with EGEAC – Equipment Management and Cultural Animation Company.
The 100 personalities were chosen because "through their art, craft or associations, they promote excellence in their respective areas of activity, as well as boost a sense of representation and belonging among the Portuguese-speaking black community", said to Lusa Vanessa Sanches, co-founder of Bantumen.
The initiative, which the magazine intends to be annual, aims to "give importance to Lusophony in a circular sense".
"It is important to deconstruct the narrative that tends to place Portugal always at the top of the pyramid, as an emitter of information and influence in all social spheres, especially in relation to African Countries whose Official Language is Portuguese", defends Sanches.
The nominees "are just a small number representing the excellence among this community that deserves to be known by the general public", added Vanessa Sanches.
In addition to activist Luaty Beirão, singer Mayra Andrade and writer Paulina Chiziane, the list also includes journalist Conceição Queiroz (Portugal/Mozambique), activist Myriam Taylor (Portugal) and stylist Roselyn Silva (Portugal/São Tomé and Príncipe).
The leader of SOS Racismo Mamadou Ba (Portugal), deputy Joacine Katar Moreira (Portugal), athlete Patrícia Mamona (Portugal) and sociologist Miguel de Barros (Guinea-Bissau) are also on the list.
Also on the list are musician and activist Kalaf (Angola), entrepreneur and co-founder of the Black Money Movement Alan Soares (Brazil), choreographer Marlene Monteiro (Cape Verde), footballer Ansu Fati (Guinea-Bissau), the athlete Reinildo Mandava (Mozambique), athlete Pedro Pichardo (Portugal), artist Dino d'Santiago (Portugal/Cape Verde), and artistic musical duo Os Calemas (São Tomé and Príncipe).
In total, 17 names were nominated representing Angola, 17 from Brazil, 15 from Cape Verde, nine from Guinea-Bissau, 10 from Mozambique and seven from São Tomé and Príncipe, in addition to 25 from Portugal.
