“This celebration is not just a tribute; it is an act of resistance, a symbol of the preservation of our history, our culture and our faith.” It was with these words that Danielle Felício, President of the Iya Akobiodè Collective, summed up the event to mark the 10th anniversary of the installation of the bust of Mãe Gilda de Ogum in Salvador.
Located in the Abaeté Metropolitan Park, in the Itapuã district, the monument is a tribute to the memory of Mãe Gilda, the Yalorixá who became a symbol of the fight against religious intolerance and a role model for African-origin religions after her worship house, Axé Abassá de Ogum, was invaded and destroyed.
The event, which took place on November 30 and was supported by CESE, was attended by various political, religious and social leaders, as well as communities of African-origin religions. The activity also saw the inauguration of requalification and accessibility works around the bust, providing an access ramp, tactile flooring, a sign in Braille and audio description for people with disabilities. In addition, educational booklets were distributed which, according to Danielle, tell the story of Mãe Gilda beyond the crime of which she was a victim.