Mathias Henrrique da Silva e Faustino da Silva

Mathias Henrique da Silva and Faustino da Silva Paiva were literate enslaved men who founded and organized a reading club in Bragança Paulista in 1881. The club offered night classes with the support of abolitionists and volunteer teachers. Located in a modest house in the city center, the club had 40 members. Matheus and Faustino sent letters to various periodicals asking for contributions. They used to say that it was “education” that was capable of preparing them for “freedom.”