“Making my part,” Betinho once said. This bronze sculpture before us embodies that sentiment. It stands here on Botafogo beach as a lasting tribute to Herbert de Souza, affectionately known as Betinho.
Betinho was a sociologist and activist. He chose this very neighborhood to live in after returning from exile in 1979. The military dictatorship had forced him away.
Look closely at the Betinho Sculpture. The artist Edgar Duvivier captured Betinho holding a tiny hummingbird. This refers to a parable Betinho often shared. It is about a forest fire. All the animals watched helplessly. But a hummingbird tried to put out the flames with drops of water from its beak.
The other animals questioned its efforts. They said it was too little to make a difference. The hummingbird replied that it was doing its part. Betinho used this story to inspire action against hunger and poverty.
Betinho founded Ação da Cidadania Contra a Fome, a Miséria e Pela Vida. This translates to Action of Citizenship Against Hunger, Misery, and for Life. It became one of Latin America’s largest campaigns against hunger. Betinho mobilized Brazilians to fight poverty. His organization helped over 26 million people. They distributed 55 thousand tons of food.
Betinho also founded the Instituto Brasileiro de Análises Sociais e Econômicas IBASE. He also created the Associação Brasileira Interdisciplinar de AIDS ABIA in 1987.
Sadly, Betinho passed away from AIDS in 1997 at the age of 61. He had contracted HIV through a blood transfusion. His brother Henfil also died of AIDS.
The Betinho Sculpture was inaugurated on March 21, 2024. The location is significant. Botafogo was Betinho’s home until his death. The inauguration was attended by dignitaries and Betinho’s son, Daniel Souza. José Júnior, founder of AfroReggae, conceived the tribute. Brahma sponsored the monument.
Daniel Souza said the sculpture represents solidarity. He called it a universal value essential for society. The Betinho Sculpture reminds us to continue his fight. The fight for the rights is ongoing.
The Betinho Sculpture serves as a reminder of Betinho’s legacy. It encourages us to do our part. Each of us can contribute to a better world. Like the hummingbird, our actions, no matter how small, can make a difference. Betinho’s spirit lives on through this sculpture and in the hearts of those who continue his work.