BLACK activists are set to take part in a national mobilisation today to demand an end to racist violence.

Around 14 simultaneous demonstrations were expected across the country, as figures revealed that between late July and early August police massacres killed at least 32 people in Bahia, 18 in Sao Paulo and 10 in Rio de Janeiro.

The action comes a week after the leader of Quilombo Pitanga dos Palmares — an organisation of descendants of escaped slaves — Maria Bernadete Pacifico was shot dead inside the temple Ile Axe Kale Bokum Terreiro, where she was also an African heritage religious leader.

The demonstrations will coincide with the anniversary of the death of abolitionist activist and lawyer Luiz Gama and will kick off monthly activities leading up to November 20, Black Consciousness Day in Brazil.

Over 250 organisations are taking part, including the Unified Black Movement, Black Pastoral Agents of Brazil, Association of Mothers and Relatives of Prisoners, National Front of Women of Funk, Geledes, Institute of Black Women, Unegro, Conen and Uneafro Brazil.

Uneafro Brazil said: “The brutal murder of a political leader, quilombola, black and candomble woman shows the face of the real Brazil, violently racist, sexist, misogynist, which persecutes black leaders and is intolerant of African-based religions.“