Zumbi
Zumbi (1655 - 1695) was the king of the Palmares, the largest quilombo (independent fugitive slave community). It was located between the states of Alagoas and Pernambuco and existed from 1604 - 1695. Palmares endured repeated attacks throughout the 17th century.
Zumbi was the last leader of the "Quilombo do Palmares." He was the nephew of Ganga Zumbi (great chief), the leader of the Quilombo before Zumbi. Palmares sheltered fugitive slaves, Indians, and even white people who were being persecuted by the Portuguese. It consisted of about 20,000 people and 6,000 houses. It was begun by a group of 40 slaves who escaped from a sugar plantation. They walked for over a week, following the sunset until they found the perfect land on top of Serra da Barriga (the belly of the hill).
In 1670, Ganga Zumbi accepted a peace agreement offered by the governor of Pernambuco, Aires de Souza e Castro. Zumbi didn't accept or believe in that agreement. He and many others who agreed with him took Zumba from his position of power in Palmares. Zumbi became the new leader of the resistance against the Portuguese. Throughout its history, Palmares withstood over 25 attacks by the Dutch (1644-16645). On February 6, 1694, Palmares was finally destroyed during the second attack led by Domingo Jorge Velho (1614-1703).
Zumbi escaped but was killed by Andre Furtado Mendonca on November 20, 1695 in his own hiding place. His head was displayed in the central plaza of Recife until it completely decomposed. It was displayed to show the people that he wasn't invincible. His head served as an example for the slaves. It was used as a threat of punishment that would await those who stood against the kingdom. For more than 30 years, the community was led valiantly by Zumbi who fought for the freedom of the African people in Brazil. His assassination was the product of fear, hate, a profound lack of understanding. Zumbi died, but his dream of freedom still lived inside the hearts of many slaves, who had to wait until May 13, 1888 to enjoy their freedom.