In a heartfelt moment during the Tribeca Festival in Lisbon, renowned artist Dino D’Santiago delivered a poignant speech on racism that resonated deeply with the audience, culminating in a standing ovation. Joined by the iconic Whoopi Goldberg, the event highlighted the importance of diverse voices in entertainment.
The Tribeca Festival, known for celebrating diverse narratives in film and art, provided a platform for D’Santiago and Goldberg to engage in a meaningful dialogue. The conversation was moderated by journalist Catarina Carvalho, who guided the discussion towards the impact of new entertainment formats on underrepresented communities.
Dino D’Santiago’s speech was not just a recitation; it was a deeply personal reflection on his experiences with racism. He began with a powerful line, addressing Whoopi Goldberg directly, stating, “Dear Whoopi Goldberg, I was born in the womb of darkness, the oldest color in the world…” This introduction set the tone for a moving exploration of his struggles with identity and societal expectations.
His poem delved into the internal conflict he faced growing up, feeling that his skin color was a source of shame rather than pride. He articulated the pain of comparing himself to a white image of divinity, stating, “That white Jesus could not be my brother, I thought. So I began to believe that the error was mine, that the burden of sin was my very existence.”
As D’Santiago continued, the audience was captivated by his raw honesty. He shared how he grew up blaming the world and his parents for the circumstances of his birth, expressing a profound realization: “What I did not know is that the color of darkness is not a mistake, but a song that the world has yet to learn to sing.”
The emotional weight of his words left many, including Whoopi Goldberg, visibly moved. Goldberg, known for her advocacy on social issues, expressed her admiration for D’Santiago’s courage in sharing such personal truths.
The culmination of D’Santiago’s speech was met with thunderous applause, as the audience rose to their feet in appreciation. This moment underscored the power of storytelling and the importance of addressing difficult topics like racism in public forums.
