On the basis of the methodological proposal for combating racism in primary education, developed with positive results in schools in Campo Grande (State of Mato Grosso do Sul) and Belo Horizonte (State of Minas Gerais), we propose: a) to indicate that this level of schooling presents the most serious educational situation for black children; b) to reflect upon affirmative policies of a universal and specific character, in different levels of education, defending the perspective that setting them in opposition, as if they were exclusive, is a false question; c) to argue that the greater or lesser efficacy of policies of affirmative action for Negroes is inversely related to the level of education, that is, the earlier racism, discrimination and prejudice are faced up to, the better will be the educational results and d) to point to challenges for the formation of teachers in this perspective.
affirmative action; racial relations; primary education