Thank you for being here!

 

In academic circles, my name is Dr. Vernon Lindsay. Among capoeiristas, capoeira students, I am called by my nickname, Professor Leão Preto, which translates from Brazilian Portuguese to English as Teacher Black Lion.

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In 2006, a friend gave me a flyer for a capoeira class offered at a park in my hometown of Chicago, Illinois (USA). When I attended my first class and saw what looked like breakdancing and martial arts, I knew I had to try capoeira. After learning about the history of capoeira among enslaved Africans in Brazil, I became convinced that it would be part of my life for a long time.

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The United Capoeira Association (UCA), founded by Mestre Acordeon, Mestra Suelly, and Mestre Rá, has chapters in the US and Brazil. My teacher and respected UCA leader, Mestre Calango, is a native of Recife, Brazil, with over thirty years in capoeira. He is a dynamic musician and an incredible martial artist.

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Before moving abroad in 2016, I led UCA Chicago and taught classes at several schools. Due to my years of experience that include teaching adults and children in the United States, training trips to Brazil, and hosting classes in Mexico, I am a certified UCA teacher. Today, it is my honor to share my talents and skills with the people of Antigua and Barbuda.

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In 2018, I moved to Antigua with my wife and three children for a position with the American University of Antigua College of Medicine (AUA). I am an assistant professor at AUA in the Education Enhancement Department, where I teach and advise students in learning strategies. On the grounds of AUA, is where I began teaching my first Antigua and Barbuda capoeira classes for students, staff, and faculty.

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On May 22, 2019, I published my second book, Capoeira, Black Males, and Social Justice: A Gym Class Transformed with Peter Lang Press. This book documents my work with capoeira in Chicago to encourage positive self-awareness, inspire academic achievement, and support community engagement among Black boys. My passion for capoeira and community engagement that inspired my second book drives me to continue offering classes for adults and children around the world.

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To learn more about my history in capoeira, buy my book. For more information about my academic background, visit this link.