Remembering Betinho

On the 9th of August in Brazil another of its most committed champions of social justice. Herbert de Sousa, known to everyone as Betinho, died. He was a sociologist who in spite of chronic ill health, used his many gifts and abilities to condemn injustice and defend the rights of Brazil’s poor. In a tribute to Betinho, his friend and long-time associate, Marcos Arruda likened him to David who used his moral courage to overcome the might of Golaith. Betinho’s battles were many. A haemophiliac, he contracted HIV from contaminated blood in 1986. His two brothers were also infected and have since died. Betinho used his own and his family’s suffering to highlight the scandal of contaminated blood products in Brazil and to create awareness and understanding of the problem of AIDS.

Betinho’s most recent struggle was against the scandal of hunger in Brazil. In 1993 he helped establish a national campaign against hunger which continues operating throughout the country. São Paulo’s Cardinal Arns referred to this campaign in a tribute to Betinho following his death "Betinho created an atmosphere of truth: Brazil cannot keep lying. Brazil has to tell the truth just like Betinho did. He showed the reality: that Brazil suffers from an intolerable, but not insurmountable, affliction - that of hunger". Betinho’s life was both inspiring and challenging. What better way to remember him than by ensuring the continuation of that work.

photo caption: "Betinho" (photo Dada Cardoso)