Lula, the Son of Brazil

In October 1945, Luiz Inácio da Silva, known as Lula, is born as the seventh child to Dona Lindu and Aristides in the serene town of Garanhuns, Pernambuco. His arrival marks the beginning of a life filled with challenges and transformation.

Just two weeks after Lula's birth, Aristides makes a critical decision to move to Santos with his cousin Dona Mocinha, leaving behind Dona Lindu and their children. This abrupt departure sets the stage for a tumultuous upbringing for Lula and his siblings.

In December 1952, after a long separation, the family reunites with Aristides in Santos. However, the joy of reunion quickly dissipates as they confront the reality of Aristides' second family living under the same roof.

The uncomfortable dynamic of sharing their home with Aristides' second family creates an ongoing battle for survival among Lula and his siblings. They struggle to manage the pressures of school while also working as street vendors to make ends meet.

Realizing the toll of living with an alcoholic and abusive husband, Dona Lindu bravely decides to move her children to São Paulo. This dramatic decision is fueled by hope for a better life, far removed from the turmoil in Santos.

In São Paulo, Lula pursues his education and earns certification as a lathe operator. He soon secures a job in the automobile industry, marking the start of his professional journey and a step towards independence.

While working, tragedy strikes when Lula loses a finger in a machine press incident. This profound personal loss serves as a catalyst for his burgeoning interest in activism and workers' rights.

Adding to his hardships, Lula's brother Ziza is arrested, deepening the family's struggles. This event amplifies Lula's sense of injustice and compels him to become more involved in trade union activism.

As Lula engages in trade union activism, he becomes increasingly aware of the challenges faced by workers during a time of political repression. His passion for advocating for workers' rights begins to gain him recognition.

Lula's activism puts him at risk of incarceration, which illustrates the significant repercussions that come with fighting for workers' rights. Amid these mounting pressures, he struggles with the grief of losing his mother.

The death of Lula's mother profoundly impacts him, adding to the emotional weight he carries as a young activist. This personal tragedy fuels his determination to make a difference in the lives of others.

Through the adversity he faces, Lula's journey from a troubled childhood to a passionate advocate exemplifies resilience. His experiences shape a man destined to challenge the status quo and fight for social justice.