Francisco Whitaker Ferreira, known as Chico Whitaker, began his public life as the chairman of the Catholic University Youth of Brazil between 1953 and 1954. Born in São Paulo in 1931, his career spans architecture, political activism, and government service, fundamentally shaped by liberation theology and a commitment to systemic social change in Brazil.
Political and Administrative Origins
Whitaker served on the strategy group for São Paulo governor Carvalho Pinto from 1959 to 1963. During the administration of João Goulart, he functioned as the head of land reform planning. Following the shift in national government, he joined the opposition movement. Between 1965 and 1966, he worked as an advisor to the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil for the First Joint Pastoral Plan.
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In 1966, Whitaker left Brazil to escape political persecution, settling in Chile and France. Throughout his years in exile, which lasted until 1981, he operated as a researcher and advisor for various global bodies. These included the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the Catholic Committee Against Hunger, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean.
Legislative and Civic Leadership
Upon returning to his home country, Whitaker served as an advisor for the Archdiocese of São Paulo and the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil from 1982 to 1988. He was elected to the Municipal Chamber of São Paulo in 1988, representing the Workers' Party. During this tenure, which lasted until 1993, he acted as the majority leader for mayor Luiza Erundina. In 2001, he participated in the organization of the World Social Forum and later helped develop the Ficha Limpa project during the 2008 local elections to restrict the candidacy of individuals facing legal actions.
Current Affiliations and Recognition
Whitaker maintains memberships in several international groups, including the advisory board of WikiLeaks, the World Future Council, and the interim consultative committee of the International Organization for a Participatory Society. He is a founding member of Transparência Brasil, an organization affiliated with Transparency International. In 2006, he received the Right Livelihood Award, sharing the prize money of €220,000 with three other recipients.
Fast facts
- Born: 1931, São Paulo
- Citizenship: Brazil
- Occupations: Architect, politician
- Award: Right Livelihood Award (2006)
- Political Party (former): Workers' Party
- Language: Portuguese
Questions readers ask
What is the Ficha Limpa project?
It is an initiative organized by Whitaker during the 2008 local elections to prevent citizens currently responding to legal actions from running for public office.
Which international organizations has Whitaker served?
He has worked with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Catholic Committee Against Hunger.
Achievements
- Right Livelihood Award
