Our Story

Every community begins with a dream. Ours began with a simple yet powerful vision: to ensure that Brazilian children growing up in the United States could remain connected to the Portuguese language, Brazilian culture, and the traditions that shape their identity.

That vision took its first steps in 2005, in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, when a group of Brazilian mothers began gathering weekly with their young children through Mães Brasileiras da Virgínia (Brazilian Mothers of Virginia – MBV). What started as informal family gatherings soon evolved into something much greater. By 2007, the first Portuguese classes for school-age children had begun, led entirely by volunteer mothers determined to pass on their language, culture, and cherished childhood traditions to the next generation.

As more families joined, the dream continued to grow. New classes were added, educational resources expanded, and the need for a permanent, sustainable organization became increasingly clear.

In 2009, under the leadership of Ana Lúcia Lico, Aline Mota, and Leila Zurba Ribeiro, ABRACE (Brazilian Association for Culture and Education) was officially incorporated. The following year, it became a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, laying the foundation for continued growth and long-term impact.

Today, ABRACE serves approximately 200 students each semester through its Portuguese as a Heritage Language (PHL) program and welcomes hundreds of families to its cultural events, educational initiatives, and community celebrations each year.

Every Saturday, our classrooms come alive with the sounds of Portuguese spoken in many Brazilian accents. Children, teens, families, teachers, and volunteers gather not only to learn a language, but also to celebrate traditions, build friendships, and strengthen a shared sense of belonging.

Over more than two decades, ABRACE has become much more than a language school. It is a vibrant community where Brazilian heritage is celebrated, cultural identity is nurtured, and lifelong connections are formed.

While our programs have grown and evolved, our purpose has remained the same: to keep the Portuguese language alive, celebrate the richness of Brazilian culture, and help new generations embrace their roots with confidence and pride.

No matter how far we are from Brazil, our roots continue to bring us together.