Zuenir Ventura 1931 – 2026

Biography

# Zuenir Ventura

Zuenir Ventura was a legendary Brazilian journalist and writer who spent decades holding power accountable through fearless reporting and compelling storytelling. A columnist for O Globo newspaper and Época magazine, Ventura earned widespread acclaim for his incisive work, winning the prestigious Jabuti Prize in 1995 for his reportage collection *Cidade Partida*. His investigative prowess was evident early on: in 1989, he and his Jornal do Brasil team captured the Esso Journalism Award for their groundbreaking coverage of Chico Mendes’ murder investigation.

Throughout his career, Ventura demonstrated an unwavering commitment to documenting Brazil’s pivotal moments. His 2009 book *1968 – O que Fizemos de Nós* earned him another Jabuti Prize recognition, cementing his status as one of the country’s most respected journalists. Born June 1, 1931 in Além Paraíba, Ventura passed away on September 22, 2026 in Rio de Janeiro at age 95, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of investigative journalism.