# Chamber of Deputies Honors Benedita da Silva and Paulo Paim Legislators recognized for their historic roles in the 1988 Constituent Assembly and racial advocacy. - **Source:** [Agência Brasil](https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br) - **Published:** 2026-11-11 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/08c5d16d-dc5c-468a-94c0-4564d958ea51 ## Solemn Recognition Ceremony The Chamber of Deputies held a solemn session on Wednesday, November 11, to honor federal deputy Benedita da Silva and senator Paulo Paim. The event celebrated their contributions to the National Black Consciousness Day. Both politicians were key members of the black caucus during the 1988 Constituent Assembly, shaping Brazil's modern democratic framework. ## Pioneering Political Careers Benedita da Silva holds a historic record as the first black woman elected as senator and governor in Brazil. Currently in her sixth term as a deputy, she was the rapporteur for the constitutional amendment granting rights to domestic workers. Her career spans four decades of active participation in Brazilian legislative processes. ## Legislative Legacy of Paim Senator Paulo Paim, serving his third term in the Senate after four terms as a deputy, is recognized for authoring the Racial Equality Statute and the Elderly Statute. He also championed racial quotas for public service exams. His political trajectory began in the 1980s through active involvement in the labor union movement. ## Addressing Racial Inequality During the session, Benedita da Silva emphasized that Brazil has not yet resolved its deep-seated racial issues. She described the current social landscape as an apartheid that requires urgent attention. The deputy argued that true democracy can only be achieved when black citizens are fully empowered to lead their own lives. ## Mentorship and Representation Younger parliamentarians, including Carol Dartora and Dandara, acknowledged Paim and Silva for paving the way for black representation. Dartora noted that their presence helped affirm that citizenship rights must reach those previously excluded. The session highlighted how these veteran figures have influenced the current generation of black leaders within the Brazilian Congress. ## Shifting Political Landscape The political landscape is evolving as these veteran figures conclude their current cycles. Senator Paim decided not to run for reelection this year. Meanwhile, Benedita da Silva recently sought a Senate seat for Rio de Janeiro, securing 3.2 million votes, which represented 20.2 percent of the valid votes in that specific election. ## Demands for Judicial Representation The ceremony concluded with a public call for the appointment of a black woman to the Supreme Tribunal Federal. Legislators displayed a banner demanding this representation, framing it as the next critical field of struggle. They argued that the Brazilian judiciary requires the perspective of a black woman to ensure true justice. ## Enduring Impact of Advocacy The tribute underscored the transition of leadership within the black caucus. While Paim and Silva are stepping back from certain roles, their legislative achievements remain foundational. The focus now shifts toward institutional representation in the judiciary, reflecting a broader movement to ensure that black voices are present in all government branches. ## Sources covering this story - https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/direitos-humanos/noticia/2026-11/benedita-da-silva-e-paim-recebem-homenagem-em-sessao-solene-da-camara — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._