Black Guard (Brazil)

Black Guard
Guarda Negra
Active1888 – 1889
Country Empire of Brazil
AllegianceBrazilian Imperial Family
TypeParamilitary group
RoleProtect the well-being of the Brazilian Imperial Family and to ensure the Princess Imperial's accession to the throne
José do Patrocínio

The Black Guard of the Redemptress (Portuguese: Guarda Negra da Redentora) was a paramilitary[1] secret society in Rio de Janeiro[2] composed of Brazilian former African slaves freed on May 13, 1888, by the signature of the Golden Law by Isabel, Princess Imperial of Brazil.

The guard included capoeiristas who belonged to the street gangs of Rio de Janeiro.[3]

The group was led by José do Patrocínio, a former republican, and its ostensible purpose was to protect the well-being of the Brazilian Imperial Family and to ensure the Princess Imperial's accession to the throne, in opposition to the rising threat of a republican coup.[4] The group began its activities soon after the abolition of slavery and lasted until shortly around the Proclamation of the Republic in Brazil on November 15, 1889.[5]

  1. ^ Andrews 1992, p. 153.
  2. ^ Kraay 2016, p. 21.
  3. ^ Capoeira 2002, pp. 165.
  4. ^ Miranda 2011, p. 1.
  5. ^ Daniel 2010, pp. 56–59, 78.