Black Brazilians mourn the loss of Antonio Bispo dos Santos, known as Nego Bispo, a beloved and influential intellectual activist who left an indelible mark on the fight against racism and classism.
Born in 1959 in the Berlengas River Valley, Piauí, Brazil, Nego Bispo passed away on December 3rd, 2023, at the age of 64 in Quilombo Saco-Curtume.
Despite completing only elementary school, Nego Bispo rose as a prominent figure, engaging in social movements with organizations like the State Coordination of the Quilombola Communities of Piauí (CECOQ/PI) and the National Coordination of Articulation of the Black Quilombola Rural Communities (Conaq).
His leadership extended to roles such as the president of the Union of Workers and Rural Workers of Francinópolis and the director of the Federation of Workers in Agriculture in the State of Piauí (FETAG/PI).
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva acknowledged the nation’s loss, stating that “Brazil has lost an important quilombola intellectual.”
Anielle Franco, Minister of Racial Equality, celebrated Nêgo’s life, emphasizing that “his ancestral and quilombola wisdom will be with us forever.” Various institutions, including Geledés, Palmares Foundation, Vladimir Herzog Institute, Boi-Bumbá Caprichoso, Movement of Landless Rural Workers (MST), Esperança Garcia Institute, and the National Coordination of Articulation of Quilombos, expressed their condolences and highlighted Nego Bispo’s contributions.
Raised in the quilombo Saco-Curtume, Nego Bispo became a key quilombola leader and intellectual, delving into the complex dynamics of colonization. His notable works include “Quilombos, modos e significados” (2007), “Colonização, Quilombos: modos e significados” (2015), and “A terra dá, a terra quer” (2023). Through articles, poems and books, he ignited debates on the concept of “counter-colonization,” exploring the interplay between socio-political and cosmological ideologies.
Nego Bispo’s contribution went beyond intellectual pursuits; he actively defended quilombola culture and identity. In a statement, CONAQ lamented his loss, noting, “His invaluable contribution to the understanding and preservation of quilombola culture and identity will be remembered and revered for generations.”
For African Americans, Nego Bispo’s life and passing underscore the global struggles against racism. His legacy serves as a beacon, emphasizing the significance of resilience and intellectual activism in dismantling oppressive systems. Nego Bispo’s death on December 3, 2023, from a cardiorespiratory arrest due to complications from diabetes resonated worldwide.
His body was veiled and buried in the Quilombo Saco-Curtume community, prompting thinkers, politicians, artists and activists globally to lament his passing.
Atlantic Archives asks that you join us in honoring Bispo’s unique contribution to bridging Black community and intellectual debates in Brazil and worldwide.
We are reminded of the ongoing fight against racism and the importance of carrying forward his legacy of resistance, wisdom, and unity.
