Antiracist training as a political strategy to address health inequities
1
Postgraduate Program in Nursing and Health, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
2
Postgraduate Program in Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública, Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública, Salvador, Brazil
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT:
Introduction. Historically Eurocentric educational processes contribute to the maintenance of racial inequalities and the underrepresentation of Black students into postgraduate programs, particularly in public health fields. These disparities influence scientific knowledge production, public policy proposals, and the development of equity-oriented practices. Affirmative actions and antiracist education emerge as essential strategies to dismantle exclusionary structures and promote social justice in academic training. The present study analyzed the Abdias Nascimento Preparatory Course experience as an affirmative action aimed at expanding Black students' access to postgraduate programs. Methods. This qualitative, descriptive study systematizes the Abdias Nascimento Preparatory Course experience through two editions (2024 and 2025). Results. The course enrolled 72 participants with 30 completers, totaling 200 hours through participatory methods including in-person classes, text readings and discussions, group work, individual and collective mentoring for research project development, guidance on selection processes, and proficiency exam preparation. The team comprised five professors and five tutors providing technical-pedagogical support. Ten students passed proficiency exams, and seven were admitted to Federal University of Bahia postgraduate programs. Participants reported enhanced academic autonomy, greater methodological understanding, and a broader critical perspective on scientific stages and selection processes. Even those who did not obtain immediate approval, 20 expressed interests in future editions and continued pursuit of selection exams. Conclusion. This experience demonstrates that affirmative action-based, antiracist educational initiatives effectively democratize access to postgraduate programs and train professionals committed to health equity. The Abdias Nascimento Preparatory Course reaffirms education as a transformative instrument for inclusion and diversity, contributing to excellence in public health.
Introduction. Historically Eurocentric educational processes contribute to the maintenance of racial inequalities and the underrepresentation of Black students into postgraduate programs, particularly in public health fields. These disparities influence scientific knowledge production, public policy proposals, and the development of equity-oriented practices. Affirmative actions and antiracist education emerge as essential strategies to dismantle exclusionary structures and promote social justice in academic training. The present study analyzed the Abdias Nascimento Preparatory Course experience as an affirmative action aimed at expanding Black students' access to postgraduate programs. Methods. This qualitative, descriptive study systematizes the Abdias Nascimento Preparatory Course experience through two editions (2024 and 2025). Results. The course enrolled 72 participants with 30 completers, totaling 200 hours through participatory methods including in-person classes, text readings and discussions, group work, individual and collective mentoring for research project development, guidance on selection processes, and proficiency exam preparation. The team comprised five professors and five tutors providing technical-pedagogical support. Ten students passed proficiency exams, and seven were admitted to Federal University of Bahia postgraduate programs. Participants reported enhanced academic autonomy, greater methodological understanding, and a broader critical perspective on scientific stages and selection processes. Even those who did not obtain immediate approval, 20 expressed interests in future editions and continued pursuit of selection exams. Conclusion. This experience demonstrates that affirmative action-based, antiracist educational initiatives effectively democratize access to postgraduate programs and train professionals committed to health equity. The Abdias Nascimento Preparatory Course reaffirms education as a transformative instrument for inclusion and diversity, contributing to excellence in public health.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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