Dandara dos Palmares was a hero of the Afro-Brazilian liberation movement in the 1600s.
She was the last warrior queen of Palmares, one of the largest communities of quilombos (refugee villages for escaped slaves) of the time.
When Palmares was offered a treaty by the Brazilian state to ensure the safety, freedom, and recognition of Palmares's inhabitants in exchange for ceasing further liberation efforts, Dandara, along with her husband Zumbi, vehemently opposed the deal.
They would not be complicit in allowing the oppression to continue, though it meant continuing to resist attacks for more than 50 years.
With rising tensions leading to the eventual dismantling of the quilombo, Dandara chose to give her life rather than go back to slavery.
Though not much else is known of Dandara (like with so many women of color in history), her story has become legendary.
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It's been 300 years since Dandara's death, and, though the world has changed dramatically since the 17th century, the struggle continues.
One thing I suspect hasn't changed is this: the first arena has to be within each and every one of us.
Addressing our own fear, guilt, ignorance, discomfort, confusion.
Noticing our deeply ingrained biases and the (subtle and not so subtle) ways they're acted out.
Seeing how these biases keep "us" separate from "them".
How they keep us from accessing real peace.
If anyone is struggling with anything related to this or just would like a little extra support, feel free to reach out. I'm no expert or saint but, as of the time of this writing, I'm fortunate to have a little extra strength to spare.
Be well.
Source: https://blackwomenofbrazil.co/dandara-the-wife-of-zumbi-brazils-greatest-black/
Sketch based on promotional artwork for Dandara, a fantasy indie game by Long Hat House loosely based on the historical figure, published by Raw Fury. Color invert using Pine Tools.
It's been 300 years since Dandara's death, and, though the world has changed dramatically since the 17th century, the struggle continues.
One thing I suspect hasn't changed is this: the first arena has to be within each and every one of us.
Addressing our own fear, guilt, ignorance, discomfort, confusion.
Noticing our deeply ingrained biases and the (subtle and not so subtle) ways they're acted out.
Seeing how these biases keep "us" separate from "them".
How they keep us from accessing real peace.
If anyone is struggling with anything related to this or just would like a little extra support, feel free to reach out. I'm no expert or saint but, as of the time of this writing, I'm fortunate to have a little extra strength to spare.
Be well.
Source: https://blackwomenofbrazil.co/dandara-the-wife-of-zumbi-brazils-greatest-black/
Sketch based on promotional artwork for Dandara, a fantasy indie game by Long Hat House loosely based on the historical figure, published by Raw Fury. Color invert using Pine Tools.
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