Today in Labor History November 20, 1695: Zumbí, leader of the Quilombo de Palmares, was assassinated. Palmares was the largest and longest lasting Quilombo in Brazil (societies of people who freed themselves from slavery). Up to 30,000 inhabitants lived in Palmares during its height. The community lasted for more than 100 years. Members of Palmares routinely raided plantations, freeing slaves and slaughtering their masters. Palmares was portrayed in the superb 1984 film, Quilombo, directed by Carlos Diegues. Also, mangue beat superstar, Chico Science, named his band Chico Science & Nacao Zumbi after the Quilombo leader. Gilberto Gil and Jorge Ben also composed music dedicated to Zumbi. And November 20 is celebrated in Brazil as a day of Afro-Brazilian consciousness.
#workingclass #LaborHistory #zumbi #brazil #slavery #abolition #palmares #liberation #quilombo #BlackMastodon


inti



