Rio de Janeiro Museum hosts exhibition on Quilombola women leaders

The Museum of Justice in Rio de Janeiro is hosting an exhibition titled ‘Lideranças Quilombolas do Rio de Janeiro: História e Resistência’ (Quilombola Leaders of Rio de Janeiro: History and Resistance). The exhibit focuses on the historical and contemporary roles of Black women in the struggle for rights and recognition within quilombola communities.

Curated by historian Lydia de Carvalho, the exhibition features historical content, photographs, videos, and interactive installations. It highlights figures ranging from the historical Dandara dos Palmares to contemporary leaders such as Dona Eva and Dona Uia from the Quilombo de Rasa in Búzios.

A central feature of the display is a tree-shaped gallery symbolizing the diverse yet interconnected trajectories of these female leaders. Additionally, the exhibition includes a map identifying more than 50 officially recognized quilombola communities in the state. The exhibition is free to the public and runs until August 28.