Black leaders and their concept of freedom in nineteenth century northeast Brazil

This article explores the leadership of two Brazilians of African heritage, Cosme Bento Chagas and Francisco do Nascimento, both men fought against slavery and racism in the northeast of Brazil in the nineteenth century. They were both born and raised in Ceará, which was the first state to end slavery, in 1884. Cosme would become a major leader in the Balaiada movement, which lasted from 1838 to 1841. Cosme and his troops fought against slavery and racism, but their movement was ultimately a failure. Francisco Nascimento would fight against slavery in the early 1880s and ultimately have success. This article details the strategies and limitations of both men while examining important differences in the historical circumstances they faced.