Ocupy is inhabit: resistance for the right to the city center of João Pessoa/PB (Brazil) through urban occupations

Abstract

This proposition aims to analyze the role of urban occupations in the production of the central urban space of the city of João Pessoa/Paraíba/Brazil, based on the recent action/occupation called João Pedro Teixeira. Organized and led by MLB (Movimento de Luta nos Bairros, Vilas e Favelas) and made up of around 40 families, it occupied the Nações Unidas Building, expropriated since 2019 by the city council to propose a popular shopping center, although it is currently used for the production of financed housing through the Minha Casa, Minha Vida – Requalificação Program, aimed at families with a gross monthly family income of up to R$2,640.00 (MCMV – Range 01). The methodology consists of a bibliographical review, interviews with sectors of public power and leaders/members of the occupation, in addition to on-site observation. The occupations claim the old center not only as a space of historical importance, for the reproduction of capital, or even for transit, but also as a space for popular housing. It is expected, therefore, to give visibility to the (r)existence of the impoverished population that lives and demands the city center, as well as the fight for the right to decent housing and the central area, thus contributing to social justice.