Dear Community,
ABADÁ-Capoeira San Francisco (ACSF) stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and all the individuals and organizations working to defend racial justice.
We stand, as we always have, against the policies, practices, and systems of oppression that are a result of systemic racism that dehumanize and criminalize Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color.
ACSF was founded by Marcia Treidler, an immigrant woman of color, to combat injustice and transform marginalized communities. Inclusion, justice, nonviolence, diversity, and equity have always been a priority for ACSF.
Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art created by Black enslaved Africans in Brazil in response to oppression and used to fight for freedom.
For nearly 30 years, ACSF has used Capoeira as a vehicle to enrich disadvantaged communities and promote cultural, social, and racial equity. Capoeira is our resistance; our conflict resolution; and our spirited fight for peace and equality.
As recent events unfold, we turn to Capoeira to find community, solidarity, and strength. It is clear there is much work to do ahead. We are proud to continue in our mission to use Capoeira to integrate diverse people; empower and uplift marginalized communities; and teach young people to be empathetic leaders capable of defending civil rights for ALL humans.
While we remain hopeful the anger and frustration over racial injustice spilling out into our streets leads to a conscious rising and rebirth of something better, we attest hope is not a strategy.
We offer a heart-driven pledge to continue to listen to those members of our community affected by systemic racism, acts of violence, and discrimination. We affirm our efforts to ensure each person is safe, valued, seen, listened to, and celebrated.
More than ever, we lean into our values and mission with conviction. ACSF’s efforts to combat injustice have shaped and will continue to inform every aspect of our organization: our services; policies; outreach; operations; and hiring.
The history of Capoeira has shown us it is possible to transform oppression through consistent and creative resistance. We will continue to look to the history of this traditional art for inspiration and lessons on how to rise above racial injustice, and invite you to join us.
On behalf of the board and staff of ACSF,
Jennifer Walsh
Executive Director