On August 10th, Djamila Ribeiro celebrated her 44th birthday surrounded by loved ones. On her Instagram profile, the Brazilian philosopher highlighted the special moment and the upcoming move to the United States, where she will start teaching at New York University (NYU) in September.

“Last Saturday, the 10th, I welcomed friends to my birthday party, which also served as a farewell celebration, as I will soon embark on a semester in New York, where I will be a visiting professor at NYU.

It was a pleasure to host the beloved Seu Jorge with his dear Karina Barbieri, my dear mother Márcia Marçal, the wonderful Maju Coutinho, Cris Vianna, my beloved Bruno Astuto, Alê de Souza, my dear friend Alex Atala, the queen Fábia, the lovely couple Caio Gullane and Maria Rita Alonso, and the wonderful Carol Novaes, Lua Xavier, Paula Lima, and Valéria Almeida. My sisters Carla Akotirene and Lívia Sant’anna, the babalorixá and friend Sidnei Nogueira with his mother Joesia, and the dear Vitor Fadul.

It was an honor to welcome my dear friend and great intellectual reference, Professor Kabengele Munanga. His presence, along with the incredible couple formed by the great writer and professor Tom Farias and the consultant Joana Silva, made the occasion even more special. Professor Kabengele’s legacy and his invaluable contribution to Black Brazilian intellectuality are eternal.

I also acknowledge the illuminated presence of my fellow members of the Paulista Academy of Letters: Leandro Karnal, Gabriel Chalita, Ambassador Rubens Barbosa, José Renato Nalini, and Maria Adelaide Amaral.

Thank you all for sharing this special moment with me! #Djamila44.”

Djamila Ribeiro also expressed gratitude to everyone who made this memorable night possible.

“First and foremost, I want to thank Terraço Itália, one of the most sophisticated venues in São Paulo, for being the perfect setting for this celebration.

Speaking of sophistication, I thank the Renaissance São Paulo Hotel for hosting my family, who came from Piracicaba, Baixada Santista, and Limeira to celebrate this special moment with me. The charming hotel on Alameda Santos also gifted me one of its most beautiful suites, where I got ready with makeup by Aline Zelenka.

My deepest gratitude to Animale, who dressed me with elegance and style, making me feel amazing that night. Special thanks to the two musical attractions that lit up the night: Felipe Adetokunbo and his band, congratulations on your immense talent, and thank you for everything. Lys Ventura, one of the most prominent DJs in Brazil, it was an honor to have you energize the dance floor.

Being surrounded by unprecedented, elegant, and significant partnerships that added brilliance to the night was made possible through the collaboration with Index, one of the most prestigious PR agencies in Brazil.

I sincerely thank Johnnie Walker Brasil, a longtime partner. It is a privilege to be an ambassador for the brand. The JW Women Entrepreneurs Fund, which empowers women in various initiatives, was also present at the party, represented by the talented bartender Inana Caldeira, who created an exclusive drink menu that was an absolute hit. And to Ambev, my gratitude for supporting the event and providing everyone with their most sought-after beverages. Thank you to Casé Fala for connecting with these two brands.

Finally, a special thank you to the friends who contributed to making this night so unforgettable. Mauricio Rocha Ngozi and Dione Vasconcellos, your support was fundamental for #Djamila44.”

Photo credits: Max Felipe and Breno Melo.