Participation and Social Policies in Portugal under the Spectre of Amílcar Cabral

Acknowledging local knowledge and promoting participation can empower minorities and underprivileged groups and improve European social policies. We look to Cabral’s legacy in Portugal. Cabral’s actions influenced the outcome of the Portuguese revolution in the past, and today, his memory can be instrumental in constructing or consolidating the leadership of afro-descendant or underprivileged groups in the suburbs of Lisbon. Organised minorities can provide or negotiate better social policies for traditionally neglected neighbourhoods through ownership of identifying local needs and priorities. Civil society organisations and enabling social policies can bring about change by engaging with socially and politically deprived populations.Keywords: local knowledge; participation; social policy; afro-descendants; Portugal