Crimes and Slaves in the Captaincy of All Blacks: A History of Violence and Resistance in Colonial Brazil

Introduction

In Crimes and Slaves in the Captaincy of All Blacks, Liana Maria Reis offers a groundbreaking account of the history of violence and resistance in colonial Brazil. Drawing on a wealth of archival sources, Reis reconstructs the lives of enslaved Africans and their descendants in the captaincy of All Blacks, a region of Brazil that was home to a large population of African slaves. Reis argues that the violence that was inflicted on enslaved Africans was not simply a product of individual cruelty, but rather a systematic and institutionalized form of oppression. She also shows how enslaved Africans resisted this oppression, both through individual acts of defiance and through collective forms of resistance, such as slave revolts.

The Violence of Slavery

The violence of slavery was a constant feature of life for enslaved Africans in the captaincy of All Blacks. Reis documents the many forms of violence that enslaved Africans were subjected to, including physical abuse, sexual assault, and psychological terror. She also shows how the violence of slavery was not only inflicted by slave owners, but also by other members of the colonial society, such as government officials and the clergy.

The Resistance of Enslaved Africans

Despite the violence that they were subjected to, enslaved Africans did not passively accept their oppression. Reis documents the many forms of resistance that enslaved Africans engaged in, both individual and collective. Individual acts of resistance included running away from slavery, sabotaging their masters' property, and poisoning their masters. Collective forms of resistance included slave revolts, which were often brutally suppressed by the colonial authorities.

The Legacy of Slavery

The legacy of slavery continues to shape Brazilian society today. Reis argues that the violence and racism that are still present in Brazil are a direct result of the history of slavery. She calls for a reckoning with this history and for the creation of a more just and equitable society.

Conclusion

Crimes and Slaves in the Captaincy of All Blacks is a powerful and important book that sheds new light on the history of slavery in Brazil. Reis's work is a valuable contribution to the study of slavery and its legacies, and it is essential reading for anyone interested in the history of Brazil.

Why You Should Read This Book

Crimes and Slaves in the Captaincy of All Blacks is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of slavery, Brazil, or the African diaspora. Reis's work is a powerful and important contribution to the study of slavery and its legacies, and it is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the history of Brazil.

This book is also a valuable resource for educators and students. Reis's work provides a wealth of information about the history of slavery in Brazil, and it can be used to teach students about this important topic. The book is also a great resource for researchers who are interested in studying slavery and its legacies.

If you are interested in learning more about the history of slavery in Brazil, then I highly recommend that you read Crimes and Slaves in the Captaincy of All Blacks. This book is a powerful and important contribution to the study of slavery and its legacies, and it is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the history of Brazil.