Independent Historian

Ana Nina Martins, a native of Rio de Janeiro Brazil, currently lives with her family in Seattle. After completing graduate studies in the United States (at the University of Minnesota and Harvard), Ana taught international law and international environmental law at the Pontifical University of Rio de Janeiro. She is now working towards a teaching degree in History at the University of Washington.

Frente Negra Brasileira (1931-1938)

Frente Negra Brasileira (Brazilian Black Front) originated in the city of São Paulo, Brazil on September 16, 1931, and was the first Afro-Brazilian organization demanding full participating rights in Brazilian society. Headquartered in São Paulo, it spread around the country. Its complex structure included a … Read MoreFrente Negra Brasileira (1931-1938)

Aleijadinho (Antonio Francisco Lisboa), 1738-1814)

Antônio Francisco Lisboa, the Aleijadinho (the “little cripple”), prominent Brazilian artist, was born in 1738 to a Portuguese architect father, Manoel Francisco Lisboa, and his Brazilian slave, Isabel. He died in 1814, in his native state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, poor and unknown. A foremost … Read MoreAleijadinho (Antonio Francisco Lisboa), 1738-1814)

Garrincha (Manoel Francisco dos Santos) (1933-1983)

Manoel Francisco dos Santos, renowned Brazilian soccer player, was born in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 28, 1933 and died on January 20, 1983. A congenial deformity of his leg bones (inward leaning right leg and outward leaning left) earned him … Read MoreGarrincha (Manoel Francisco dos Santos) (1933-1983)