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Background
Background
The Palmares Quilombos movement refers to the formation and existence of the Palmares Quilombo, a historic community of escaped enslaved people in Brazil. The most famous period of the Palmares Quilombo's resistance spans from the early 1600s to its fall in 1694.
Palmares was located in the northeastern region of Brazil, in the state of Alagoas, and it became a symbol of resistance to the Portuguese colonial system, which had enslaved many Africans. The quilombo, or runaway slave settlement, grew over time, eventually housing thousands of people. The leader most often associated with the Palmares Quilombo is Zumbi dos Palmares, who became the leader of the quilombo in the late 17th century and a key figure in the movement for the freedom of enslaved people in Brazil.
Zumbi led the quilombo for years in its resistance against Portuguese forces, The quilombos were a network of inland settlements, hideouts, and farms in colonial Brazil where Africans escaping the plantation system lived together, worked together, and supported the cause of freeing more people. Culture and community thrived at a tenuous distance from Portuguese colonial activity on the coast.
Quilombos culture had its origins in Central Africa, where various tribal lineages found it pleasing to unite in agreement for mutual aid and protection. Quilombos Palmares (in the Brazilian state of Alagoas) included tens of thousands and persisted for over 80 years. Ultimately, colonial authorities defeated these liberators' attempts, but the legends and practices live on today in Afro-Brazilian folkloric arts.
Palmares was eventually destroyed in 1694 after a long siege by Portuguese and colonial military forces.
Today, the Palmares Quilombo and Zumbi are remembered as important symbols of Afro-Brazilian resistance and the struggle for freedom. The date of November 20th is celebrated as Dia da Consciência Negra (Black Consciousness Day) in Brazil, marking the death of Zumbi in 1695, as a tribute to the resistance and the fight for racial equality.
What can we learn from Quilombos?
What can we learn from Quilombos?
In this workshop we will be comparing and contrasting the Quilombos movement to that of contemporary intentional communities in North America. What can we learn from this predecessor of our own Intentional Communities movement?
Assumptions About Community
Assumptions About Community
Multiculturalism in our communities, the belief that our communities can should include different cultures.
We should resolve conflict within the community.
Intentional Communities is a new movement
American History
American History
The quilombo communities were multicultural as the nations of the African continent were very diverse and the peoples taken to America came from different regions and nations.
Often the slave trade took prisoners of war from both sides of conflict on the African continent. Those who were once enemies, found themselves building a life together in the quilombos.
In North America we have the concept of the Deep Woods used by Black Americans to signify a place outside the site and sound of the plantation system.
Many important community norms and cultural practices have their essences stored in cultural art so that future generations can access.
Exercises
These activities are sourced from Afro-Brazilian cultural rituals of community celebration modified to fit the workshop experience.
Crossing the Atlantic - Representing the middle passage crossing, stand in line and with hands on the sholders of the person in front of you. Move forward together in the steps of the Capoeira Ginga.
Having two personalities
Having two personalities
Behavior alignment based on the the situation
Para os brancos verem
A community in solidity
A community in solidity
Not A, Not B; A or B together
Dance and Exercises
Dance and Exercises
Capoeira - Mealua and cocorinha
Samba Dance 2 by 2
With the police entering and leaving
Protecting the escaped
The Circle Inside
Examples
Examples
Friendly haggling at a market
Martial arts sparing
The Circle Outside
Disposition Towards Others
Disposition Towards Others
I choose who I live with
I live with you
Safety and Justice
Safety and Justice
Self-defense
Court in the Circle
Watch the Movie
Watch the Movie
We invite you and yours into a study of this phenomenon with a viewing of the following documentary and a discussion of the strengths, weaknesses, and potential progressive applications of Quilombos today. Will you gather your community and watch? It's two hours long; the video contains the film twice. Parental supervision strongly recommended.
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