Mulheres afroempreendedoras: possibilidades e limites da cultura gastronômica negra em Juiz de Fora – MG

Abstract

This research aims to analyze the afro-gastronomic enterprises in the city of Juiz de Fora from the perspective of black women and to reflect on the possibilities of their insertion in the food and beverage tourism events that take place in the city. The methodology used was qualitative and exploratory, through a bibliographic and documental survey and field research. From the data analysis it was possible to understand how the gastronomic enterprises of black women identify themselves with the Afro-entrepreneurship, which contributes to reduce social, racial, economic, cultural inequalities; strengthen and value the black identity; be an agent of their emancipation; to rescue the ancestry and valorization of history, culture, tradition; to articulate political and ideological positions; to make it possible to occupy ascendant positions in the social pyramid; and to stimulate the consumption of products and services originated from black people. However, several difficulties that permeate the daily reality of these women in their enterprises, which date back to the colonial period, are still present. Thus, the possibilities of acting in gastronomic events in the city of Juiz de Fora are limited, which results in numerous challenges both for afroentrepreneurial women and for the public and private spheres, social organizations and civil society in the food and beverage sector.