Democracy Dies in Darkness

Brazil’s unexpected plan to vaccinate the homeless, prisoners and descendants of enslaved Africans first is coming undone

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May 9, 2021 at 10:05 a.m. EDT
The quilombo of Santa Rita do Bracuí, once a tranquil traditional community along the Atlantic Ocean, has been overrun by land speculation and irregular housing. (Terrence McCoy/The Washington Post)
correction

A previous version of this article misstated the number of Brazilians who have received coronavirus vaccines. More than 35 million Brazilians have received at least one shot. The article has been corrected.

ANGRA DOS REIS, Brazil — After a lifetime of feeling invisible, the family was told they’d suddenly become one of Brazil’s top priorities. As the country began rolling out coronavirus vaccines early this year, officials said communities like theirs, founded by Africans who escaped slavery, would be among the first to receive shots.