A fearless advocate for marginalized communities, particularly Afro-Brazilian women, and a vocal critic of police brutality, known for her unwavering dedication to social justice and human rights.
Marielle Franco was a Brazilian politician, sociologist, and human rights activist who dedicated her life to fighting for the rights of marginalized communities, particularly women, Afro-Brazilians, and LGBTQ+ individuals. She is remembered for her unwavering commitment to social justice and her unrelenting criticism of police brutality and corruption.
Marielle Franco was born on July 27, 1979, in Maré, a slum in northern Rio de Janeiro, where she spent most of her life. She began working at the age of 11 to support her family and later became a preschool teacher, all while pursuing her education.
In 2002, Franco entered the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro on a scholarship, where she studied sociology. Her academic pursuits were motivated by the death of a friend from a stray bullet in 2000, which sparked her involvement in human rights activism.
In 2017, Franco was elected as a city councillor of the Municipal Chamber of Rio de Janeiro for the Socialism and Liberty Party (PSOL). She quickly became a prominent voice in Brazilian politics, fearlessly speaking out against police brutality, extrajudicial killings, and the federal intervention in Rio de Janeiro.
Franko's advocacy work focused on issues such as racial and gender equality, reproductive rights, and access to education and healthcare. She was also an outspoken critic of the government's handling of the 2018 federal intervention in Rio de Janeiro, which led to the deployment of the army in police operations.
Marielle Franco had a daughter, Luyara, in 1998, whom she raised without the father's support. In 2004, she began a romantic relationship with Mônica Benício, a partnership that would last until her death. The couple was planning to get married in 2018.
On March 14, 2018, Marielle Franco's life was tragically cut short when she and her driver were brutally assassinated in Rio de Janeiro. The murder sparked widespread outrage and protests across Brazil, with many hailing Franco as a martyr for her unwavering commitment to social justice.
In March 2019, two former police officers were arrested and charged with Franco's murder. Her legacy continues to inspire people around the world to fight for human rights, social justice, and an end to police brutality.
Marielle Franco's work has had a lasting impact on modern society, inspiring a new generation of activists and politicians to fight for social justice and human rights. Her legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up against corruption, police brutality, and systemic inequality.
86 Years Old
Brazil's 25th Vice President, a lawyer and politician, who took over as President after Dilma Rousseff's impeachment and implemented austerity measures to address the country's economic crisis. He's known for his controversial presidency and corruption charges.
68 Years Old
A pioneering environmentalist and politician who fought to preserve the Amazon rainforest and advocated for indigenous rights, becoming a powerful voice in Brazilian politics.
