Krista Williams

International Experience Country:
Brazil
Cohort Year:
2009
Home Institution:

University of Pittsburgh | Oakland

Heinz Programming Area:
Arts and Culture
International Experience Summary:

Krista Williams spent six weeks studying in Salvador, Brazil, a city on the northeastern coast of Brazil known for its large Afro-Brazilian population and strong African cultural influence which can be found in the cuisine, music,  religion, and artistic performances of the state of Bahia, of which Salvador is the capital.  During her stay she took classes at Dialogo language school, where she studied African Culture in Brazil and Portuguese for four days a week, along with cooking and samba lessons. Outside of the formal classroom setting Krista was able to go on a number of excursions throughout the city which allowed her to learn more about Afro-Brazilian culture. She was able to observe the African influence on the culture everywhere around her, ranging from the performance of capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian martial art form, on the beaches to the percussionist groups which play in the streets of Pelourinho, the historic district of Salvador. In addition, Krista had many opportunities to meet with women of authority such as high priestess of the Afro-Brazilian religion Candomble and the sisters of the Irmandade da Boa Morte, a society of women formed during slavery with the aim to improve social conditions of African descendants. During her time in Brazil Krista was able to interact with a wide range of people and learn more about the social issues affecting the residents of Salvador as well as what measures are being taken to lessen the social and economic inequities that still remain today.

Community Engagement Experience Summary:

CEE Title: Barefoot Soccer Tournament