SAN FRANCISCO -- As protests continue to rock major cities across Brazil, here in the United States Brazilian Americans are expressing support for their fellow compatriots. Many take pride in the ongoing demonstrations, but also fear that plans to host two major international sporting events could spell disaster.
"Everyone is very excited," said Sao Paulo native Natalia Paiva, a recent University of Miami graduate who participated in a June 18 rally at Miami's Bayside Marketplace. The rally drew some 200 from the city's sizable Brazilian community.
There are about 300,000 Brazilians living in Florida. Nationwide they number just over one million.