Djamila Ribeiro Draws Capacity Crowd in Belo Horizonte, with Surprise Appearance by Conceição Evaristo

The philosopher presented the expanded edition of Lugar de Fala (published in English as Where We Stand) at a Sempre Um Papo event in Belo Horizonte on Monday, July 13, opening the program’s 40th anniversary celebrations

A night celebrating the power of coming together. That was how Sempre Um Papo, a literary program founded 40 years ago in Belo Horizonte by journalist and cultural producer Afonso Borges, launched its 40th anniversary celebration.

And no one could have embodied that spirit of shared experience better than Djamila Ribeiro.

An author who has placed dialogue across social positions at the heart of her work, Ribeiro drew a capacity crowd to the auditorium of the Minas Gerais State Court of Accounts (TCEMG) on Monday evening, July 13, for a conversation that opened the anniversary program.

Moderated by Afonso Borges, the discussion explored literature, critical thought, and paths toward a more just society, with the newly released expanded edition of Lugar de Fala (Rosa dos Tempos/Grupo Editorial Record) serving as its central theme.

After the conversation, Ribeiro signed copies of the book for members of the audience.

Surprise Appearance

The night became even more memorable with a surprise appearance by author Conceição Evaristo, whose presence deeply moved the audience. Evaristo is among the many authors who have taken part in the program over the years, alongside Ana Maria Gonçalves, Mia Couto, Itamar Vieira Junior, and Ailton Krenak.

In a September 2023 column about the Minas Gerais–born author published in Folha de S.Paulo, Ribeiro wrote that thinking about Evaristo serves as a “joyful antidote” for her. She also recalled the warmth, advice, and affection she has received from the author over the years.

Read: Conceição Evaristo, a intelectual do ano

Sempre Um Papo Continues with More Guests

The Sempre Um Papo event featuring the Brazilian philosopher launched a special program that will continue throughout the second half of 2026.

Author and actress Bruna Lombardi will be the next guest, in August, followed by writer Cristovão Tezza in September.

Presented under Brazil’s Rouanet Law, Sempre Um Papo — TCE Cultural is sponsored by Copasa and Itaú and organized in partnership with the Minas Gerais State Court of Accounts.

Photos: Silva Guimarães

 

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