Anielle Franco is a 35-year-old Brazilian activist, English teacher, speaker and writer. She is also known for her strong bond with her sister, Marielle Franco, councilwoman and human rights activist murdered in 2018 in Rio de Janeiro.

Anielle, today a government minister, having grown up in the favela of Maré, Rio de Janeiro. At sixteen, she won a scholarship to play volleyball and study in the United States where she graduated in English, literature and journalism. In the USA, Anielle also obtained a master’s degree in ethnic-racial relations.

In memory of her murdered sister, councilwoman and activist, Anielle founded the Marielle Franco Institute which promotes cultural and educational activities for children, as well as programmes to support black women who seek to occupy spaces in politics.

Currently, Anielle is also a writer, speaker and coordinator of several initiatives such as the Escola Marielle project, created with the aim of providing political training for black, vulnerable and LGBTQIA+ girls and women. Anielle also coordinated a survey to map racial and gender political violence in Brazil, the dossier “Political Violence of Gender and Race in Brazil 2021“.

Anielle Franco articulates her performance and her knowledge of the English language and academic training to strengthen the anti-racist and decolonial struggle. During her twelve years of study in the United States, she was exposed to American anti-racist and feminist influences which influenced her interest in fighting for the rights of black populations and women.

As an English teacher, she believes in teaching the language to facilitate access to content and opportunities that can contribute to the emancipation of those who have fewer opportunities.