Afros Swiss Spotlight - Jovita dos Santos Pinto

Our Afro Swiss series is an extension of our ongoing commitment to celebrating and amplifying vital representation for our multi-hyphenate children.

Jovita Dos Santos Pinto, is a historian and researcher who has dedicated her work to uncovering the stories of Afro-descent women in Swiss contemporary culture & history.

Jovita's passion lies in bringing to light the often overlooked contributions of Afro-descent women in Switzerland. Through her extensive research, she has unearthed the stories of remarkable individuals such as Pauline Buisson, Henriette Alexander, Tilo Frey, and Audre Lorde, showcasing their significance within the Swiss context.

Not content with simply uncovering these hidden narratives, Jovita took it a step further by founding histnoire.ch. This living digital documentation platform serves as a valuable resource, providing publicly available media reports and concise profiles of Black individuals and organizations who have made significant impacts on Swiss society. Jovita's dedication has created a platform where the stories and experiences of Black women can be shared and celebrated.

But Jovita's work extends beyond academia. She is a vocal advocate for the rights and visibility of Black communities in Switzerland. As a co-founder of Bla*sh, a network for Afro-descent women in German-speaking Switzerland, she has created a supportive community where Black women can connect, uplift each other, and navigate the challenges they face.

Jovita's commitment to social justice is evident in her longstanding efforts to organize cultural and political events that prioritize marginalized groups. Her advocacy work extends to fighting against racism and sexism, embracing an intersectional approach that recognizes the interconnected nature of oppression.

Jovita Dos Santos Pinto is an inspiring figure, using her passion, knowledge, and dedication to uplift and center the experiences of Afro-descent women in Switzerland.