Welcome! Bem-vindo!
Photo: Brasília Aleixo, the matriarch of the Volta Miúda community; 93 years old
program
Buffet dinner with DJ Músico
Poetry reading by Abi Olufeko
Capoeira by Mestre Jamaika and Salt Lake Capoeira
Dance performance by Sara Caldiero and Salt Lake Samba
Short documentary film screening by Adrienne Covington
Words and Q&A with special guest Célio Pinheiro Leocádio & guests
Music and mingle with DJ Músico
sponsors & Supporters
Thank you to our sponsors and supporters, our performers who are volunteering their time and talents, and our event volunteers and photograher for their generosity and support of Afro-Brazilian arts in Salt Lake City and also Bahia, Brazil!
bios
This Evening We Honor the Volta Miúda Quilombo
Quilombos (also known as maroons) are communities originating from settlements of African-Brazilians who were enslaved. Mestre Jamaika founded the Volta Miúda capoeira group in 2009, named after the quilombo where his family comes from. Volta Miúda lies in a small, rural corner of Bahia, Brazil, the birthplace of capoeira. It’s an officially registered quilombo by the state of Bahia, and continues to thrive with the fusion of African and Brazilian culture. We are honored to have Volta Miúda’s community leader visiting the United States and attending this event today!
YouTube: @QUILOMBOVOLTAMIUDA2001
Instagram: @quilombo2001voltamiuda
Célio Pinheiro Leocádio
Célio was born in Bahia in the northeast of Brazil. He is a mobilizer, activist, and community leader of the quilombola movements in the south of Bahia. He is also the President of the Association of Remaining Quilombola Producers of Volta Miúda – Caravelas.
Celio’s new book, Honoring Ancestry, is a powerful account of the struggle, resistance and legacy of a quilombola community. Written from his experiences as the leader of Volta Miúda, the book reveals the trajectory of resistance and courage that echoes from the first quilombos in Brazil to the present day. With an engaging narrative full of meanings, Célio shares the achievements, challenges, and dreams of his community, addressing topics such as the preservation of cultural traditions, the importance of community unity, and the tireless struggle for territorial and social rights.
The story of Volta Miúda is a living example of the strength of a people who, by honoring their roots, seek to ensure a dignified future for the next generations.The reader will find deep reflections on African ancestry, the importance of cultural preservation, and the resilience of a community that resists external pressures, while keeping its identity alive. Honoring Ancestry is a work that inspires, educates, and invites everyone to know and value Brazil’s rich quilombola heritage.
Salt Lake Capoeira led by Mestre Jamaika
Capoeira was forged over centuries by enslaved Africans in Brazil who trained to fight their oppressors while disguising it as a dance. This “dance-like fight” mixes martial arts, music, dance, acrobatics, and culture as it brings people together to share positivity through movement and community. Mestre Jamaika (Mauro Romualdo) is an internationally recognized practitioner of capoeira, and has engaged and positively impacted students and audiences of all ages and backgrounds for over 30 years. Born in the heart of capoeira’s birthplace and his Afro-Brazilian ancestral land, he’s passionate about honoring his ancestors and capoeira’s roots by sharing Afro-Brazilian culture and strengthening the community through his work. Salt Lake Capoeira shares the vibrant art form through regular classes for kids and adults, community outreach, and performances.
saltlakecapoeira.com I @saltlakecapoeira
Abi Olufeko
Abi founded 365 Poetry, and every other month, he facilitates an event that provides a platform for budding artists as well as anyone who might feel inspired to read a poem, recite it, or perform it. At 365, there is no form of critique; anyone may perform whatever stirs them in a short story, poem, exhortation, or even dance. Beyond curating performance art, Abi enjoys dancing, soccer, fitness, and martial arts. Abi also holds a BS and an MS in Petroleum Engineering from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. Abi has been tutoring for 17 years now and his forte includes but is not limited to, high school and college physics, chemistry, biology and math as well as preparing students for standardized tests.
@365_poetry_slc
Salt Lake Samba led by Sara Caldiero
Salt Lake Samba is a group of passionate dancers in love with Brazilian culture and dance. Join them for classes in the Salt Lake Valley on Tuesday evenings. Salt Lake Samba founder and instructor, Sara Caldiero, is a writer, book artist, dancer, capoeirista, costume maker, and creative arts instructor. They hold an MFA in Creative Writing from Naropa University. Sara brings poetry to people in classrooms, on desert white water river adventures, and to drifters on the street. They are the creator and director of Hunger for the Arts, an art program that provides workshops and food for unhoused teens in Salt Lake City.
saltlakesamba.com I @saltlakesamba
DJ Músico
Músico (Aaron Nelson) is a versatile artist who has played drums and programmed beats for over 20 years. With experience as a DJ, drummer, designer, musician, and capoeirista, he crafts dynamic soundscapes drawing inspiration from culture and movement. Find him on Spotify at Músico Disco World.
@musico.discoworld
Adrienne Covington — Filmmaker
Adrienne is a mental health professional currently pursuing a Master of Counseling Psychology (MCP) in Integral Counseling Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies. As a Community Coach at MindRight Health, she provides culturally responsive mental health support to marginalized youth and adults. With years of experience as a massage therapist and yoga teacher, she specializes in chronic pain relief and trauma-informed care. Her holistic work in these areas also fuels her heart-full approach to filmmaking, capturing the intersection of culture and community. She participated in the Casa de Taipa community project while on Salt Lake Capoeira 2024 trip to Brazil, and captured important interviews and culturally significant footage for her documentary.
Cida Vanderplas — Emcee
Cida is a TV host for US Brazil TV, consultant, and holistic health coach dedicated to empowering individuals through nutrition and wellness. A breast cancer survivor, she draws from her personal journey to inspire others in achieving lasting health transformations. Fluent in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, Cida’s work spans media, public speaking, and health advocacy. She is passionate about cultural connections, wellness education, and fostering community through her expertise. As the emcee for the Quilombo Roots fundraiser, she brings her vibrant energy and deep appreciation for Afro-Brazilian culture to this special event.
@cida.vanderplas
Anna Murta Hodgson — Language Interpreter
Dr. Anna Murta Hodgson is from Minas Gerais, Brazil. She works for Department of World Languages and Cultures at the University of Utah as an Assistant Professor of Portuguese. She holds an MA in Communication and a PhD in Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies. At the U of U, she teaches various Portuguese language and Lusophone culture courses. Her current research focuses on Language for the professions and Community Engagement Learning.
Fabiana Hansen — Language Interpreter
Fabiana is a Portuguese Dual Language Immersion Teacher at Hidden Valley Middle School in Jordan School District, where she also fosters a strong partnership with the University of Utah's Portuguese Department. She serves as the Department Chair for World Languages and is dedicated to advancing language education. Fabiana holds a Master’s degree in Education from Southern Utah University, bringing a passion for teaching and a commitment to student success.
Bruna Romualdo — Chef
Bruna recently immigrated to the United States from Bahia, Brazil, with her young daughter. Deeply connected to her Afro-Brazilian roots, Bruna brings authentic and flavorful dishes to life, celebrating her rich cultural heritage through her cuisine. Bruna is known for her warmth, reliability, and unique ability to bring people together. Whether she's cooking for an event or creating a welcoming atmosphere, her heart shines through in everything she does.
Fiona McPeak — Photographer
Fiona is a talented local photographer with over 10 years of experience. Contact her on Instagram @flatpanda.
Jussara Tirada Lima — Chef
Jussara brings her culinary expertise from Salvador, Bahia, Brazil where she’s from. She enjoys making typical Brazilian dishes, and is a good friend and support of Salt Lake Capoeira.
Exploring Not Boring — Ticketing and Marketing
On Exploring Not Boring’s platform you will find spontaneous ideas and unique things to do every day. They share, “Our community believes in the power of experiences to connect us, inspire our intellectual curiosity, and help us live more joyful lives. EXPLORING NOT BORING is a call-to-action for more living, less boring.”
exploringnotboring.com I @exploringnotboring