DO SILENCIAMENTO À RESISTÊNCIA

Abstract

The main objective of this article is to provide a historical and biographical account of Antonieta de Barros (1901–1952), an educator, journalist, and state representative from Santa Catarina, popularly known as Maria da Ilha; a Black woman and a pioneer in Brazilian political and educational life, whose significance has been historically silenced by the predominance of male-centered and Eurocentric narratives in Brazilian education and the underrepresentation of women’s contributions. This research is part of a larger project that highlights women’s contributions to the history of education. It sought to analyze the multiple dimensions of her career, including her intellectual, journalistic, and political work, demonstrating how Antonieta challenged and fought against the gender norms imposed on women, especially Black women of the 20th century, and how her writings contributed to the struggle for democratizing access to education for women and members of the working classes, as well as for civic emancipation; reaffirming her status as an intellectual and social figure who deserves to be recognized and valued.