“When women lead with purpose, they inspire a world of change.”
This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the journey of Paula Cardoso, a leader who has dedicated her life to empowering Black professionals, reshaping narratives, and advocating for racial equality in Portugal.
As the Founder of Afrolink, Paula has become a driving force in creating visibility, inclusion, and representation for Black individuals across various industries. Her unwavering commitment to fostering change and dismantling systemic barriers makes her a true visionary.
Paula shares her journey from Mozambique, where she was born on July 7, 1979. Shortly after, her mother, two sisters, and she moved to Portugal to join her father. While growing up in a European environment, the vibrant Mozambican culture and values played a crucial role in shaping her identity. She finds great inspiration in her nation’s significant milestones, especially the struggle for independence and the remarkable leadership of their first president, Samora Machel.
The rich flavors of their cuisine and the vibrant rhythms of their music are not just her personal favorites; they are essential elements that strengthen her connection to her roots and heritage.
Paula’s family created a nurturing environment during her formative years. The weekend gatherings with her uncles and cousins fostered a deep sense of community and belonging.
Reflecting on her upbringing, Paula admires her parents’ resilience as immigrants in a country that had colonized their homeland. They built a thriving community that celebrated their heritage, and Paula is dedicated to carrying that legacy forward with pride and purpose.
“We often invoke Samora Machel’s powerful words, “A luta continua,” which translates to “The struggle continues” for us, the black people,” Paula expressed.
In the early 1980s, when her family arrived in Portugal from Mozambique, her elders adopted a survival strategy centered around community. They chose to keep everything within their circle, remaining largely disconnected from the outside world. The only white individuals welcomed into their homes were those with African backgrounds or connections established in Mozambique.
At that time, they didn’t engage in discussions about racism because the elders recognized it was ultimately futile and draining. They understood that such conversations detracted from living fully. Perhaps they resonated with Toni Morrison’s profound observation:
“The function, the very serious function of racism is distraction. It keeps you from doing your work. It keeps you explaining, over and over again, your reason for being. Somebody says you have no language, and you spend twenty years proving that you do. Somebody says your head isn’t shaped properly, so scientists work on the fact that it is. Somebody says you have no art, so you dredge that up. Somebody says you have no kingdoms, so you dredge that up. None of this is necessary. There will always be one more thing.”
The people in Mozambique had become increasingly aware of the challenges posed by racism from the Portuguese. In response, they aimed to embrace life fully while working together to overcome the obstacles they faced. There was also a growing desire to foster trust and improve relations, as many viewed the Portuguese as untrustworthy. By addressing these issues, there was hope for a more positive and collaborative future.
Paula and her family actively sought Portuguese citizenship, recognizing its importance in securing additional rights and protections. Their goal was not about identity, about feeling Portuguese, but rather about ensuring access to a broader range of opportunities and rights that come with being a part of the Portuguese community. They sought Portuguese citizenship, understanding that lacking it would limit their opportunities.
In the past, Paula and her family may not have used the term “racism,” yet the practice was widespread. Acknowledging this reality can help them better understand the issue and work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society.
That’s why Paula was educated to excel, to be “perfect”, and to always perform ten times better than her white peers. This was, and unfortunately still is, the only way for black people to navigate through life.
Paula highlights a vital perspective: her parents received their education during the colonial era, and their experiences greatly influenced their views on belonging. They witnessed the harsh realities of Portuguese rule, which shaped her father’s belief that white people often struggled to recognize Black individuals as equals and fellow human beings.
This perspective led him to encourage Paula and her siblings to question the necessity of fitting into a system that had historically marginalized them.
Understanding this context is crucial. Paula’s father observed the oppression faced by Black people during colonialism, where they were systematically rendered powerless in their own country.
Acknowledging these historical experiences can help us construct a more inclusive narrative moving forward, one that values equity and respect for all individuals regardless of their background.
It’s enlightening to reflect on the fact that none of her parents’ friends were white Portuguese. They had colleagues at work, but those relationships never extended to personal gatherings in their homes.
Recently, Paula has come to appreciate how predominantly black and African their environment was, and she recognizes the value of being part of a culture rich in joy, love, and celebration. While politics may not have played a significant role in the past, it has certainly become a vital aspect of their conversations today.
Paula’s generation is actively advocating for recognition as Portuguese citizens. Even if their identities don’t align with traditional notions of being Portuguese, they have every right to claim their nationality and pursue their place in society.
This is a positive and transformative moment in Portugal, as black individuals are now courageously demanding not just recognition on paper, but a rightful place within the national narrative.
Those who have traveled to Portugal, particularly to Lisbon, can observe the diversity within society. However, despite this evident diversity, there seems to be an unspoken “whites only” rule when it comes to recognizing national figures in the television shows, newspapers, politics, and companies.
Portuguese society has an opportunity to address and engage with the important issue of racial inequality. While many black Portuguese individuals experience challenges related to systemic barriers, acknowledging these realities is a crucial step toward creating a more inclusive society.
To shed light on this matter, Paula founded the Afrolink network, as there is currently a lack of data on ethnicity in Portugal. By collecting and sharing information, they can better understand the challenges faced by marginalized communities.
Although it may be difficult to confront these issues, embracing knowledge and open dialogue is essential for fostering positive change and building a brighter future for everyone.
Paula’s mission is to highlight the diverse achievements of black professionals across all fields, demonstrating that their community extends far beyond roles such as cleaners, construction workers, or restaurant staff.
While these occupations are valuable, it’s important to recognize that they have much more to offer and deserve to be seen in a broader context. Often, the perception persists that predominantly white spaces result from a shortage of qualified black professionals.
Through Afrolink, Paula seeks to reshape this narrative by showcasing the accomplishments of black individuals in various areas of expertise. This not only emphasizes their capabilities but also fosters greater understanding and appreciation within the broader community.
“It’s not just about visualizing our identities and actions; it’s also about actively voicing our concerns and seeking inclusion. By speaking up, we can ensure that our perspectives are recognized and valued,” Paula shares.
It’s important to communicate clearly, and Paula recognizes that there’s room for improvement. Alongside sharing their personal stories, she is committed to educating others about their history.
In Portugal, there is a lack of awareness regarding how racism has been historically used to generate profit and maintain power. By shedding light on these issues, we can foster understanding and promote positive change. It’s important to examine how Portugal was involved in the transatlantic slave trade and the implications of colonialism.
There is a common narrative suggesting that the Portuguese were “good colonizers” due to their interactions with local women, but this perspective can be misleading. It is essential for the educational curriculum to include diverse viewpoints on this topic. The interactions between colonizers and local populations were often characterized by exploitation rather than mutual respect.
By acknowledging the complexities of these historical events, people can foster a more accurate understanding of their past and work towards a more inclusive and equitable narrative.
It is not that hard as today everyone has access to various historians and sources that provide valuable insights into the Portuguese colonial legacy and the targeted suppression of black resistance.
Paula’s work focuses on raising awareness about the black experience, helping people understand how racism has shaped the society. This knowledge allows people to engage in meaningful discussions about reparations and to envision and work toward brighter futures for all.
In this journey, Paula honors her ancestors, who had their voices silenced and their lives taken. As a black woman, she encounters additional layers of exclusion, which have led her to reflect deeply on gender inequalities as part of her broader quest for justice.
Initially, Paula’s focus was primarily on asserting her humanity in a society that often overlooks people like her. Today, she champions black feminism because many feminists in Portugal still do not recognize the unique challenges they face. “My aim is not to cast blame but to encourage dialogue and understanding,” Paula expressed.
It’s crucial for individuals with privilege to leverage that privilege to uplift others. By fostering constructive conversations, Paula hopes to inspire positive change and challenge those who may not yet see their role in this important movement. “Together, we can build a more inclusive and equitable society.”
How? Paula delivers lectures and workshops focused on how racism is woven into the fabric of Portuguese culture, highlighting the importance of recognizing and addressing racial biases and prejudices.
In her educational work at schools, she strives to deconstruct racist narratives and encourage critical thinking among younger generations, as it’s often easier to cultivate these insights early on.
Paula envisions a future where this topic is integrated into the curriculum, but achieving this requires greater political commitment, along with initiatives to start collecting data on ethnicity. There is a prevailing perception among many politicians that while some individuals may harbor racist views, the country itself does not have a systemic issue with racism.
Concepts such as structural racism and discussions about reparations are often overlooked. This reality inspires Paula to take action. It’s disheartening to see younger people adopting the same prejudiced behaviors she encountered while growing up, as it feels like revisiting a painful chapter in their history.
Paula believes everyone can transform this shared trauma into an opportunity for growth. It’s essential for Portugal to confront its past and foster an environment of responsibility and accountability. This journey is not about placing blame; rather, it’s about collectively working towards understanding and healing.
Paula is proud to work under the Afrolink umbrella, an initiative that she founded to address the urgent need for diverse perspectives in journalism. With nearly 20 years of experience as a reporter in Portugal, where she often found herself as the only Black journalist in the room, she became acutely aware of how misinformation and division can be fueled through media narratives.
It’s essential that people recognize the subtle and overt racism present in the stories that the children and youth encounter. Afrolink seeks to change this by providing a humanized and nuanced perspective on Black lives. By sharing these important stories, Paula hopes to reshape the narrative and foster understanding, creating a more inclusive media landscape in Portugal.
Let’s consider a recent example: last October, the community faced the tragic loss of another unarmed Black man, Odair Moniz, who was shot by a police officer.
Recognizing the tendency of mainstream media to focus on the victim’s past in ways that could justify the shooting, Paula decided to take a different approach. She visited Odair’s community, spoke with his family and friends, and uncovered the beautiful love story he shared with Monica, his widow.
By highlighting this personal narrative, we can better appreciate the value of his life and foster a deeper understanding of the impact of racism in the society. It’s important to remember that every individual has a story that deserves to be told and acknowledged.
While the journey can be challenging, Paula is dedicated to harnessing the power of words and positive narratives to cultivate love in her communities, steering clear of the trap of hate.
Prioritizing love is essential in combating racism. Paula’s parents laid the groundwork for this movement among friends and family, and she is proud to carry it forward through her activism. In this spirit, she co-hosts a podcast with another inspiring Black woman, Georgina Angélica.
They invite predominantly Black guests to share their life journeys, focusing on personal growth rather than professional success. They draw motivation from bell hooks’ book All About Love, which guides their discussions.
Paula considers her most significant achievement to be the daily practice of nurturing her self-love and embracing the understanding that she is enough and worthy.
While it may seem small, this realization is a vital step in the struggle for liberation. When faced with messages of inferiority, one may unconsciously begin to adopt a limiting mindset. However, Paula now challenges herself to think big and believe in her capacity to achieve anything she sets her mind on. “Together, we can inspire others to do the same,” she adds.
Paula’s next ambition, following the creation of Afrolink and her authorship of the children’s book “Força Africana”, as well as hosting the TV show “Rumos” on RTP África, is to develop her own TV shows and channel. Paula is also planning to start this journey on YouTube, and she is excited to see where it leads.
Paula truly believes there is a significant opportunity to produce impactful content that highlights the richness of black culture and history, fostering a greater sense of presence and relevance within the Portuguese society.
While she currently has a platform on RTP África, which is the only Portuguese channel that embraces black voices, she sees the potential for expanding this representation.
“There is so much to celebrate—black thought, history, legacies, and rituals—that deserves more visibility. It’s the right time to bring these stories to the forefront,” she adds.
As Paula reflects on the progress made in the five years since launching Afrolink, she is grateful to know that she is part of a vibrant community of incredible individuals who are eager to build this next chapter together.
“With collaboration and shared vision, we can rise and thrive collectively,” Paula concludes.
