Last year 53% of Brazilians classified themselves as black or multicultural as opposed to previous years where 48% of the culture identified as black. This may not seem like a big deal but according to the Brazilian Geographical and Statistics Institute (IBGE) the rise is not due to an increase in the birthrate but is the result of a shift in mindset.

Katia Regis is a coordinator for African and Afro-Brazilian studies and she believes the increases among the population who identify themselves as black can be attributed to long battles waged by the country’s black organizations, as well as more access to higher levels of education.

Self-confidence is such an important thing and when you deny apart of who you due to shame, it could lead to other major issues.

Far too often are blacks villainized and made to look like an uncivilized race in the media, which makes it easy for biracial or multiracial individuals to disconnect from the culture. There are so many positive things that happen in the black community but the media chooses to focus on the negative.

Therefore it is exciting to hear about the men and women in Brazil that are becoming more educated about black culture and now understand how great they (we) truly are.