Rather than a story of passive suffering, the history of slavery in the Americas is one of rebellion, solidarity, and democratic invention. A recent book traces the depth and creativity of enslaved people’s resistance, whose legacy continues to inspire social-justice movements around the world.
LONDON—In the early 17th century, deep within the palm forests of northeastern Brazil, a group of people escaped slavery and founded an independent settlement. They named it Palmares and welcomed others fleeing bondage to join them.