Brazil's Zumbi dos Palmares is an unrecognized Black national icon who valiantly defended the Black race. In the past, thousands of captives were liberated by Zumbi.
Black Consciousness Day 2023: Black Consciousness Day, observed on November 20, holds significant importance in Brazil. Its purpose is to honor the pioneering leader of resistance against slavery, Marcus Zumbi, and to invite reflection on the catastrophic injustices that have been inflicted upon the Black community and African descendants throughout history. This day is a social movement committed to protesting against massive-scale racial discrimination and recognizing the incomparable value and contributions of African Americans in the United States through observance of their existence. In Brazil, Black Consciousness Day is observed as a national holiday in and around several hundred cities. As we wholeheartedly observe this day, it is imperative that we address the issue of education among African Americans and assist them in pursuing their aspirations through the provision of Black student scholarship resources.
Historically, Black Consciousness Day was observed on May 13, the date of Brazil’s official abolition of slavery. The date was altered to November 20 to commemorate the life of a black hero, thereby increasing the historical importance of the occasion.
Zumbi dos Palmares, a Brazilian of Kongo descent, was a commander of one of the ‘quilombos’—a metaphorical settlement comprised of emancipated African slaves who had managed to escape their brutal masters. Zumbi was a legendary Black hero and liberation fighter. At the tender age of six, he was sold into Portuguese slavery. Nine years later, he managed to escape and returned to Palmares, his place of birth. Upon his return, he promptly initiated an anti-slavery movement in opposition to the Portuguese oppression.
Assisting in the accommodation of escaped slaves and other oppressed minorities, the campaign performed miraculous deeds for enslaved African American communities. Zumbi’s valor and vigilance led a great number of his adherents to regard him as immortal. Following a betrayal by one of his own subjects, the Portuguese captured him on November 20, 1695. Immediately following his apprehension, he was beheaded and displayed as a deterrent to other rebellious slaves.
Black Consciousness Day has been observed with academic, sociopolitical, and cultural activities, including public demonstrations against racism, discrimination, and inequality, since the 1960s. Later, the date was changed to November 20 to commemorate the life of the national hero and living symbol of the slave struggle, Manuel Zumbi. On occasion, this day is also referred to as Zumbi Day.
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The initial self-made millionaire
Myra Walker achieved the historic feat of becoming the first African American to achieve self-made millionaire status through the invention of the inaugural hair-straightening formula.
The recipient of an Oscar
Regrettably, Hattie McDaniel became the inaugural African American to be honored with an Academy Award for her performance as a devoted slave governess.
The inaugural billionaire
Robert Johnson, the originator of Black Entertainment Television, became the inaugural African American to achieve billionaire status; Oprah Winfrey and Michael Jordan subsequently followed suit.
The first African American president
Barack Obama became the inaugural African American president of the United States.
Prominent Scientist
Black scientist George Washington Carver invented three hundred derivative products from peanuts.
It endeavors to combat prejudice.
Racism is an issue that affects society at large, not just African Americans. It is a crime to harbor racial prejudice; it has no place in this universe.
It serves as a powerful reminder.
This day commemorates the centuries-long oppression and injustices endured by the African American community. Paradoxically, the reminder is indispensable in order to endure for future generations.
It honors a black hero.
Brazil’s Zumbi dos Palmares is an unrecognized Black national icon who valiantly defended the Black race. In the past, thousands of captives were liberated by Zumbi.
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | November 20 | Monday |
| 2024 | November 20 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | November 20 | Thursday |
| 2026 | November 20 | Friday |
| 2027 | November 20 | Saturday |
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