Zumbi dos Palmares and the Quilombo of Palmares:
Resistance, Resilience, and the Power of Building Liberation
Throughout the 1600s, amid the violent grip of Portuguese colonization and the transatlantic slave trade, there existed an incredible beacon of resistance in Brazil—the Quilombo of Palmares. It was more than a settlement; it was a liberated community, a sanctuary built by escaped African enslaved people (known as quilombolas) who refused to accept the conditions forced upon them. At the heart of this movement stood Zumbi dos Palmares, a leader and warrior who became an enduring symbol of Black freedom and resilience.
The story of Palmares is not only about resistance—it’s about what happens when oppressed people refuse to be defined by oppression. It’s about collective liberation, cultural preservation, and strategic resistance. Today, the legacy of Zumbi and Palmares offers us powerful lessons on how to build liberation beyond survival and toward thriving.
What Made Palmares a Revolutionary Act of Liberation?
The Quilombo of Palmares was not just an escape from slavery; it was a defiant declaration that freedom was non-negotiable. Over the course of its nearly 100-year existence, Palmares grew into a thriving community with tens of thousands of residents, all united under the common goal of self-determination. Their survival was made possible by several key pillars:
1. Community Over Individualism
Palmares thrived because it operated on principles of collective care, where individual well-being was directly tied to the well-being of the community. Food was grown and shared, homes were built collectively, and defense was a shared responsibility. This stood in direct opposition to the individualistic ideals imposed by European colonizers.
In modern liberation work, this pillar reminds us of the power of mutual aid networks. When we care for one another outside of capitalist systems, we create sustainable communities that thrive regardless of external conditions.
Reflection: How can we embrace community care as a radical act of liberation today?
2. Cultural Preservation as Resistance
The people of Palmares preserved their African languages, spiritual practices, and cultural traditions as a form of resistance. Colonization sought to strip away their identities, but Palmares reclaimed and nurtured what was stolen. Festivals, religious ceremonies, and oral storytelling kept their history alive.
This principle is especially relevant for Black communities today, as we navigate the ongoing erasure of our history through colonization and whitewashing. Reclaiming ancestral practices, languages, and traditions is not just healing—it is liberating.
Actionable Step: What traditions or stories from your ancestry can you reclaim and pass on to the next generation?
3. Strategic Resistance and Self-Defense
Zumbi and the people of Palmares didn’t simply hide from the colonial powers—they actively fought to defend their freedom. They utilized guerrilla warfare tactics, ambushes, and intimate knowledge of the land to resist attacks by Portuguese and Dutch forces. For nearly a century, Palmares successfully defended itself against multiple invasions.
Today, this serves as a reminder that resistance requires strategy and courage. Whether it’s organizing for worker’s rights, environmental justice, or self-defense, intentional action rooted in community strength is essential.
Lesson for Today: Liberation movements are strongest when they combine defense with strategy and cultural preservation.
4. Leadership Rooted in Accountability
Zumbi’s leadership was not about power hoarding—it was about serving and protecting his community. His dedication to collective freedom made him a beloved figure, even in the face of betrayal and violent resistance from the colonial powers. Leadership in liberation work must be rooted in service, not dominance.
As we work toward collective liberation today, this model of leadership reminds us to reject hierarchical models of power and instead embrace leadership rooted in accountability, collaboration, and the greater good.
Reflection: How can you practice accountable leadership in your community work?
Zumbi’s Legacy: Why It Still Matters Today
Zumbi’s story did not end when Palmares was destroyed in 1694, nor when he was assassinated in 1695. His legacy continues as a symbol of resistance for Black people across the diaspora. In Brazil, November 20th—Dia da Consciência Negra (Black Consciousness Day)—is dedicated to honoring Zumbi and the fight for Black liberation.
For those of us engaging in liberation work, Zumbi’s life and the history of Palmares remind us that liberation is not given—it is taken, defended, and nurtured through collective effort. The lessons they left behind are a testament to the power of parallel systems built on mutual aid, self-determination, and cultural reclamation.
Embracing Zumbi’s Blueprint for Liberation Today
What would it look like if we applied the principles of Palmares to our own communities today? What if we built schools that preserved and honored our cultures instead of erasing them? What if we created housing co-ops that rejected gentrification and exploitation? What if we nurtured mutual aid networks that could thrive without state intervention?
These are the questions we should be asking as we build intentional communities rooted in justice and equity. And it starts by teaching the truth of our history and passing on the lessons of resistance to future generations.
A 28-Day Journey Through Black Resistance and Liberation
I created my 28-Day Journey Through Black Resistance and Liberation for my children, but it’s for anyone who wants to learn from the legacy of Black resilience and liberation. With age-appropriate lessons, discussions, and resources, this curriculum centers the stories of resistance—like Zumbi and Palmares—that remind us what liberation truly looks like.
Whether you’re looking to teach your children or deepen your own understanding, this journey will guide you through 28 days of reflection, action, and learning through a decolonized lens.
Join the journey today: https://desireebstephens.bio/shop/98d6f2f8-2827-4291-b29c-1ceaf77deaac
Let’s honor Zumbi’s legacy by continuing the work of building parallel systems, preserving culture, and fighting for collective liberation.
In solidarity and liberation,
Desireé B. Stephens
Educator | Counselor | Community Builder
Founder, Make Shi(f)t Happen