Luiz Gama: A Black Abolitionist in Brazil

Bruno Rodrigues de Lima presents the biography and works of the Black poet and lawyer Luiz Gama-the only Brazilian writer who lived under captivity-deserves special attention. Published in 1880, the “Autobiography of Luiz Gama” achieved great editorial success and received several reprints in newspapers of the late 19th century. As in Frederick Douglass’ narrative, the heroic escape, the importance of literacy, the network of allies, and the triumph over adversities play a crucial role in Gama’s own autobiography. Bruno Lima has published the Collected Works of Luiz Gama and his forthcoming book shows that Gama's legal work helped approximately 500 enslaved people achieve freedom. Based on one thousand previously unknown sources, he presents how this extraordinary and unprecedented feat was accomplished. Presented by CSSJ Historical Injustice & Democracy Research Cluster.
Wednesday October 12th, 2022
Brown University