When esteemed activist Angela Davis arrived in São Paulo, Brazil, in October to promote the Portuguese translation of her autobiography, she had one request — to meet Janice Ferreira da Silva, known as “Preta” (Black woman) Ferreira. Preta, 35, a housing rights activist and musician, had just been released after spending 109 days in prison. She was charged with extortion for engaging in the routine practice of charging a low condominium fee of $50/month to resident squatters — 20 times lower than average rent prices in downtown São Paulo. While she was imprisoned, PRETA LIVRE!—Free Preta! became the rallying cry for her supporters. “I was imprisoned for fighting for my constitutional rights and for giving information to Black people who don’t have access to these rights,” Ferreira says.
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