Zumbi dos Palmares

Leader of Brazil's largest quilombo (maroon community), symbolizing resistance against Atlantic slave trade

Zumbi dos Palmares (c.1655-1695) was the last leader of the Quilombo dos Palmares, a self-sufficient African-Brazilian community that resisted Portuguese colonial oppression for nearly a century. Born free in the mountainous region of Alagoas, he was captured at 8 but escaped to join Palmares. By 1678, this 'New Africa' numbered 20,000 people practicing traditional religions and governance systems derived from Central African models.

Zumbi's leadership during the 1680-1694 wars against Portuguese colonizers made him a legendary figure. He rejected offers of freedom in exchange for surrender, famously declaring 'Better to die on our feet than live on our knees'. His military strategies included guerrilla tactics and fortifying settlements like the 'Great Palmares' with moats and watchtowers. Portuguese chronicler Friar Vicente do Salvador described his army as 'more disciplined than our own.'

After Palmares' fall in 1694, Zumbi evaded capture for a year until his execution on November 20, 1695 - now commemorated as Black Awareness Day in Brazil. Recent archaeological excavations at Serra da Barriga uncovered iron smelters and pottery workshops, confirming Palmares' economic self-sufficiency as detailed in Palmares: Resistance Community in Brazil.

His legacy inspired 19th century abolitionists like Joaquim Nabuco and 20th century movements like the Black Consciousness Movement. The Zumbi dos Palmares Memorial in Rio de Janeiro features life-sized dioramas of Palmares' society. UNESCO included his story in the 'Slave Route Project' to highlight African resistance narratives. Modern Afro-Brazilian religious groups revere him as a saintly figure embodying ancestral resilience.