Their community stood out amongst all others. Their King, Zumbi, wasn’t just any King. He was the “King of Free Men.”
Zumbi was born free and he was going to ensure his people remained free, too.
Zumbi’s community was self-sufficient and defied anything that compromised their freedom—especially enslavers. Zumbi’s community wouldn't become anybody’s slaves!
But there is one thing they certainly would do.
Fight to remain free! For decades, Zumbi led his people in a war against the colonizers seeking to exploit Brazil and enslave them.
They remained free, but then something awful happened that would forever change not just Brazil, but world history.
Zumbi was captured and beheaded. But his people still wouldn’t bow down to white supremacy. Instead they sought revenge by ambushing plantation owners and chopping off their heads.
Those who survived forever feared Zumbi’s people. They even coined a name for them, one you may be familiar with.
Zombi, or Zombies! Prior to his murder, Zumbi had evaded death so many times many believed he was a zombie. White supremacists were terrified Zumbi and his army would return from the dead to attack and kill them.
Zumbi wasn’t a zombie. He was just fiercely dedicated to liberation. This type of dedication is powerful and directly threatens white supremacy. We can’t forget that.