**Journey of Justice: A Daughter's Battle for Truth in Brazil's Dark History**

Tessa Moura Lacerda's relentless pursuit to rectify her father's death certificate reveals the ongoing trauma of Brazil's military dictatorship, reminding the nation of its dark past and the need for justice.

In a poignant moment filled with disbelief, Tessa Moura Lacerda stood with her mother outside a government office in August 2019, clutching a document they had long fought to obtain — a corrected death certificate for her father. The certificate now explicitly stated the nature of his death: "unnatural, violent death caused by the State," reflecting the grim reality of his demise during Brazil’s military dictatorship in 1973.

Tessa's father, Gildo Macedo Lacerda, a political dissident, was killed while imprisoned for opposing the regime at just 24 years old, a tragic footnote among the hundreds of victims during an era marked by state-sponsored violence and repression. Following the arrest of Tessa’s parents on October 22, 1973, Gildo was never seen again, leading to a life filled with uncertainty and trauma for Tessa.

The dictatorship era resulted in the disappearance or death of at least 434 individuals, as reported by a national truth commission, which uncovered widespread torture and wrongful deaths. Tessa has only a single photograph of her father from before his brutal death, and like countless families affected by the regime, her own growing up was shadowed by his absence. The early years were spent grappling with the memories her mother shared of Gildo’s fear and the violent reality he faced.

A significant barrier to Tessa's healing was the original death certificate issued in 1995, which had left the cause of death blank. The family fought for justice not only in her father's name but in recognition of all victims of the dictatorship. The recent decision by Brazil’s government to amend death certificates for all acknowledged victims stands as a step toward healing for families long denied justice.

However, the journey toward accountability remains fraught with challenges. A history of false narratives disseminated during the dictatorship continues to shape Brazilian memory, as seen in the filming of "I'm Still Here," directed by Walter Salles. The film, based on the fight for justice by Marcelo Rubens Paiva's family, echoes Tessa’s struggles and reflects the collective pain felt by many survivors and the families of victims.

As Brazil wrestles with its divided political landscape, the haunting memories of past atrocities refuse to fade. Both Tessa and the families of others like Helenira Resende, a student involved in the resistance, understand that as long as recognition remains unfulfilled, the wounds of dictatorship will endure. Tessa’s fight is a moral obligation not only to her father but to the collective history of a nation — a dark reminder of what transpired and a call for justice that echoes through generations.

With every step toward recovery, Tessa remains unwavering in her mission: "I will not stop fighting until the end of my days." She insists that only by addressing these painful memories can Brazil ensure that history does not repeat itself. As a new chapter in her quest unfolds, Tessa holds steadfast hope that one day she will finally lay her father to rest.