With stunning models representing Brazilian Blackness, it’s clear that Jeferson Lima has tapped into a culture that exudes pride in one’s own body. Lima’s project not only aims to highlight Black beauty but also strives to celebrate and channel Salvador’s spirit through the Black community.   

Lima’s project, which originally started on Instagram account Soteropolitane.se, combats the negative image and anti-desire for Blackness. Instead, it helps represent the progress of embracing Blackness and Black pride in Brazil, and join together a beautiful community.

Issues of racism and colorism plague Brazil. Many Brazilians refuse to identify as Black.  In Brazil like other countries such as Nigeria, there is a mass market for the skin bleaching industry. People still believe that lightening your skin or not being Black will make you more beautiful or successful.

See some of the gorgeous photos below.

Screen Shot 2016-01-26 at 6.57.58 PM

 

Photo by Jeferson Lima

Photo by Jeferson Lima

 

Photo by Jeferson Lima

 

Photo by Jeferson Lima

 

(All Photos: Jeferson Lima/Instagram)