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3rd Annual Brazil Essay Contest
Jacob Diamond
Cypress Bay High School - 12th Grade
Second Place
Flocks of people migrate each year to connect
with the rich diversity that South Florida has to offer. From the
beaches to the Everglades, Broward County celebrates nearly 100
years of history and culture that has transpired since its inception
in 1915. Demographics have proven to show that Broward, the
fifteenth most populous county in
the U.S., has 25% of its population made up of foreign-born
residents. Among that large
percentage of foreign-born citizens, one cultural group manages to
touch all the bases, while flourishing under the radar. This group
of people contributes more to Broward's society than any other, with
its influences on art, music, politics, education, and the economy
as a whole. Brazilian-Americans make up a wholesome 4% of Broward's
foreign population, and their advances in all fields of the
socio-economic system make apparent the great impact they have on
the quality of life in Broward County.
Every foreign country that makes diplomatic ties with another
recognizes that it is necessary to create a commercial foundation to
grow from. An established organization for trade and communication
is vital to a country's status overseas, and that is why the
Brazilian-American Chamber of Commerce of Florida developed. The
growing popularity of Brazilian businesses in South Florida during
the 1970s quickly brought the need for a business exchange forum
between Brazilian and U.S. firms. This new chamber of commerce
became a union for Brazilian businesses and created financial
security through networking. Although their office resides in Miami,
the Brazilian-American Chamber conducts a majority of their business
in Broward County, where just as large a population of
Brazilians lives. One city in Broward County is a highlight for its
hefty Brazilian numbers, Deerfield Beach. Deerfield Beach contains
the 9th largest Brazilian population in the U.S. at 3.5%. With such
a large populous, the Brazilian-American Chamber reaches out to hot
spots in the South Florida area, particularly Broward County. Over
300 prosperous businesses within the Chamber help fuel the Broward
County economy each and every day.
The arts have been a source of expression for Brazilians in South
Florida, as it is one of their most important priorities to share
the elegance and beauty of Brazilian culture. By way of song and
dance, a taste of Brazil can be found in Downtown Ft. Lauderdale
during the fall season. This past September, Brazilian Independence
Day was celebrated at the Broward Center for Performing Arts.
September 7 was deemed "Brazil Day" in Broward's county seat, as
live performances by Brazilian musicians as well as craft teaching
was offered free to the public. In 2006, The Brazilian Ministry of
Culture designated the Broward Center for Performing Arts as a Point
of Culture. This prestigious honor recognizes the Broward Center's
commitment to the Brazilian community in the South Florida region.
In addition, there is an extraordinary performance held twice a year
at various Broward County theatres by a nationally renowned women's
vocal ensemble, Brazilian Voices. This non-profit organization
performs at cultural, community and philanthropic events and has
become a key player in the extension of Brazilian culture around the
world.
Brazilian culture in Broward County has even reached the
easel through the vivid colors of a paintbrush. Highly distinguished
abstract artist and painter of emotions, Naza, has a studio in Ft.
Lauderdale and has exhibited her work in art galleries and museums
across the world. This Brazilian artist is known as the creator of
the "Abstracted
Realism" concept and in 2007 she was nominated as the first Honorary
Member for the Brazilian-American Fashion Association. Naza makes
appearances all across the tri-county area, and more importantly
provides Broward County with a sense of pride, creation, and
imagination.
Education, an imperative issue for any culture, has been the main
concern for Brazilian progress in Broward County. There is a wide
range of teaching by Brazilian instructors in our community,
including classroom, social, and safety skills. The Weston Library
offers a free conversation group program for people learning
Portuguese, where practice is available with bilingual volunteers
and other learners. This demonstrates the concept that the Brazilian
culture is a huge part of our society and that the knowledge of the
Portuguese language is vital to today's efforts in communication.
Another way Brazilian-Americans have continued their tradition of
educating others is through the practice of the martial arts. In
December of 2007, the first Renzo Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in
Florida opened up in Weston. This self-defense course for adults and
children is intended to develop self-confidence and discipline,
while teaching important values and a positive attitude about life.
Today, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has proven to be the most effective form
of unarmed combat available. Having this form of education can help
to shape our society and find more practical methods of self
defense, refraining from bloodshed through the use of weapons.
As for the Brazilian-American press, BRTV Online adopted the First
Amendment of the United States Constitution upon their arrival. BRTV
Online is a website featuring the latest news in the
Brazilian-American spectrum of politics, entertainment, business,
music and arts. It is a great resource for natives of Brazil living
in Broward County as it gives them a level of comfort and
familiarity in what may be a strange environment by incorporating a
Brazilian specific interest to information relevant to the
community. This online news source is completely presented in
Portuguese and is intended for the Brazilian-American audience that
wishes to see the news the way it was in Brazil, of course with an
Americanized touch. Also featured on BRTV Online is a classified
advertising section, similar to today's "Craig's List," which acts
as an electronic marketplace for the general public.
When it comes to the Brazilian impact on the community of Broward
County, the variables are limitless. In such a diverse community
like the one within which we live, it is proven that no matter what
nationality you represent, you have an opportunity to leave an
impression on the community where you make your home and the with
the people who inhabit it alongside of you. Brazilians approach
every component of this generation's customs, and have met them with
great determination and competence. With the same aptitude that
other nations of South America and the Caribbean have shown once
arriving in the United States, Brazilians have accommodated
themselves to the greatest plane of success.
The Brazilian society has genuinely revitalized components of
Broward's metropolitan arts and cultural music traditions. With
education as the backbone for purpose, Brazilian-Americans give an
astonishing performance in the further development and the stability
of this community's progress. It is essential that modem American
society take a page out of the Brazilian American agenda and strive
to contribute to the extraordinarily commendable level that they
have exemplified for us.
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Bibliography:
1. http://www.brazilchamber.org/news/chambemcws/indcx.htm
2. http://www.corporationwiki.com/Fl oridaiSo uth- Flori dal
american - brazi I i anassociation-corp-4535142.aspx
3. http://www . browardcenter.org! about/news.aspx?newsID=50
4. http://www.naza.com/bio.html
5. http://www.sherdog.com/news/pressreleases/Broward-Countv- W
elcomes- RenzoGracie-C)] 80
6. http://www.brazilchamber.orgi
7. http://www.brtvonline.com/
8. http://www.brazilianvoices.org/
9. http://www.brazilmiami.org/engicultaff Bulletin.php#Education
10. httlJ://broward.org/econdev/edi00308.htm
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