In a powerful move for inclusive education, a municipal school in Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, has taken a significant step by honoring prominent Black figures. The Escola Municipal Sebastiana Silveira Pinto, located in the São Jorge neighborhood, has renamed several of its spaces after influential personalities, with a special tribute to journalist Tânia Costta.
The initiative is part of the school's broader commitment to anti-racist and inclusive education. The cantina now bears the name of Tia Ciata, a Bahian woman recognized as a matriarch of samba. The teachers' room honors Antonieta de Barros, Brazil's first Black female state deputy and a pioneer in the fight for public education. The arts room is named after the graffiti artist Criola, the artistic name of Tainá Lima. Most notably, a second-grade elementary classroom has been dedicated to Tânia Costta, a journalist currently working at TV Integração.
This project was highlighted in the inaugural segment of "Integração na Educação," a new feature on the "Integração Notícia" program designed to showcase exemplary school initiatives. According to the Ministry of Racial Equality, Brazil's Black population, comprising those who identify as Black or mixed-race, represents nearly 56% of the total population, making it the country's demographic majority based on 2022 Census data.
School Director Stella Jacinto emphasized the importance of bringing identity into the classroom. "Tânia is a Black woman from Minas, a powerful journalist, and she represents many of the children here at the school," she stated. The project to name spaces after Black personalities, especially those from Minas Gerais who have excelled in various fields, aligns with directives from the Municipal Secretariat of Education. For 2026, the guiding theme is "An Inclusive, Anti-Racist School without Bullying."
As part of the educational plan, each class studies the life story of the personality their space is named after, producing work and sharing their learnings. Teachers Ana Paula Vitor and Juliana dos Reis Silva, who teach the second-grade class named for Tânia Costta, reported that the campaign has been enriching. "They [the students] learn from our experiences and the stories of these personalities. Sometimes they get more emotional than we do and surprise us in a wonderful way," the teachers shared.
The impact on students has been profound. Young student Laís Nunes developed an understanding that racism and bullying hurt her classmates, stating the most important thing is to respect differences and support friends. "I will never bully," she declared. During a visit to the school, Tânia Costta shared her own childhood experiences with racism, including instances where her hair was compared to cleaning tools. This deeply resonated with student Maria Luísa, who touched the journalist's hair and complimented her "beautiful curls."
Tânia Costta, originally from Ituiutaba, grew up dreaming of a career in communication, improvising microphones with pens and fruit in her backyard. "It was worth it for that girl to have dreamed. Being here, in a school that practices anti-racist communication, moves me. If any of these children believe they can reach their dreams, it was worth it," she said emotionally. The visit inspired student Laís to share her own dream of becoming a presenter.
The school's work also resonates with families. Gabriela Cássia, mother of student Maria Luísa, highlighted how the school management strengthens children's self-esteem. "They feel increasingly welcomed for their curly hair, for their skin color. This brings respect and recognition," she said. Tânia Costta summarized her experience at the school, saying, "My heart is warm in this place." Based on reporting from g1.