Brazil's Minister Rachel Barros Advances Black Youth Plan in Rio

Minister of Equality Racial Rachel Barros visited the Baixada Fluminense region, including São João de Meriti, to formalize the municipality's adherence to the federal "Plano Juventude Negra Viva". The plan targets racism, violence and vulnerability affecting Black Brazilian youth and calls for coordinated action across education, culture, health, security and public policy.

During the agenda, Barros met with local officials, religious leaders, civil‑society groups and young participants, discussing religious‑based racism, Afro‑Brazilian cultural heritage and mechanisms for youth participation in policy monitoring. The visit also included listening sessions in Nova Iguaçu, a meeting at the Casa da Igualdade Racial, and a dialogue at the Casa Preta da Maré, linked to a technical cooperation agreement with the Ministry of Public Labor.

The formal signing was carried out by São João de Meriti’s vice‑mayor Letícia Costa alongside Barros, signalling the city’s commitment to implement the plan through inter‑agency coordination and community involvement.