top of page

Year: 1675
Who: Zumbi dos Palmares (1655–1695)
Where: Brazil
What: Zumbi dos Palmares was the final and most renowned leader of Palmares, a quilombo (maroon society) in Brazil that flourished throughout the 17th century. Located in the state of Pernambuco, Palmares was a sanctuary for escaped slaves, offering freedom and resistance against the Portuguese colonial system. Zumbi’s leadership marked the final stages of Palmares' defense against Portuguese forces, ultimately leading to the quilombo’s destruction.
Born free in the Serra da Barriga region of Palmares, Zumbi’s early life was tragically altered when, at the age of six, he was captured by the Portuguese army and sold into slavery. During his captivity, his name was changed to Francisco, and he was subjected to attempts to convert him to Catholicism. At the age of 15, Zumbi escaped and returned to Palmares, where he quickly became a key military leader in the fight against Portuguese oppression. His goal was to dismantle the Portuguese system of slavery, offering protection to those who escaped and helping them find refuge in Palmares.
Zumbi’s resistance against the Portuguese became legendary. After his uncle, King Ganga-Zumba, made a peace agreement with the Portuguese that involved surrendering some escaped slaves, Zumbi rebelled, rejecting the treaty. Following Ganga-Zumba's death, likely from poisoning, Zumbi became the King of Palmares and led the quilombo in fierce resistance. Despite repeated military attacks, Palmares held strong for many years. However, in 1694, the kingdom was eventually breached, and after two years in hiding, Zumbi was captured. He was executed on November 20, 1695.
Zumbi is honored for his leadership and unwavering fight for freedom. November 20th is celebrated as Dia Nacional da Consciência Negra (National Black Awareness Day) in Brazil, and the Zumbi dos Palmares International Airport in Maceió is named in his honor.
Sources:
Websites:
Educating for Democracy. (2023, April). Profile of resistance: Zumbi dos Palmares, Afro-Brazilian military strategist, abolitionist, King of Palmares. University of Virginia. https://educatingfordemocracy.education.virginia.edu/sites/educatingfordemocracy/files/2023-04/Zumbi%20dos%20Palmares.pdf
Journal Articles:
Smulewicz-Zucker, G. R. (2009). Zumbi (ca. 1655–1695). The International Encyclopedia of Revolution and Protest, 1-3. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781405198073.wbierp1653
bottom of page