Twenty November is the Day of Black Consciousness. Law No. 10.639, of January 9, 2003 included the date in the school calendar, making compulsory the teaching of Afro-Brazilian history and culture in schools. Therefore, teachers must prepare lessons on the history of Africa and Africans; struggle of blacks in Brazil, Brazilian black culture, and black in the formation of national society.
The date is also holiday in more than 400 municipalities in homage to Zumbi dos Palmares, one of the leaders of Quilombo dos Palmares, located in the Serra da Barriga, on the border of Alagoas and Pernambuco.
Zumbi was born in Palmares, Alagoas, in 1655. Even free-born, was captured and handed over to a Portuguese family. At age 15, he fled to their place of origin became the most famous leader of Quilombo for fighting against oppression Portuguese. Died November 20, 1695.
By: Ana Paula A. Denicol
