African king visits Brazil

King Tchongolola Tchongonga Ekuikui VI of Angola has paid a visit to the community of Camorim, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in order to reaffirm the roots and origins of the community descended from escaped slaves.

Many can trace their ancestry back to the ancient kingdom of Bailundo, of which King Ekuikui VI is monarch. The community maintains their traditional culture, dances, religious practices and use of medicinal plants.

Tchongolola Tchongonga Ekuikui VI: "Our presence here is to say to Afro-Brazilians, to our brothers and sisters who are in the Federative Republic of Brazil, especially in this community, that we are here as living roots, roots that maintain our ancestry and our customs, and that we are together in this new stage where the great challenge of fighting racism against black people begins."

Between three and five million Africans were captured and transported as slaves to Brazil, where today around 56 percent of the population identify as Black. However, Brazil only abolished slavery in 1888, the last country to do so in the western hemisphere.

Rural settlements like Camorim, known as 'quilombos', account for some 1.3 million people descended from slaves. Urban quilombos are now being formed as a way of tackling rising levels of racism within Brazil, where Black Brazilians are noticeably few in numbers in Congress and executive positions.

Despite Brazil having the largest population of African descent outside Africa, the Afro-Brazilian community suffers the greatest levels of poverty and discrimination. For nurse Marilene Lopes de Jesus, the King’s visit is a reminder of the past, but also strengthens her resolve to work for a better future.

Marilene Lopes de Jesus: "Having him back here reminds us of the intolerance we go through so much. We were kidnapped, we were brought to this country against our will, we went through so many things, so many trials and we still survived. So receiving a visit from the King boosts our self-esteem and the desire to continue fighting." View Less