1888 – Brazil Abolishes Slavery: The Golden Law

On May 13, 1888, Brazil officially abolished slavery with the signing of the \”Lei Áurea\” or Golden Law by Princess Isabel. This historic act freed over 700,000 enslaved Africans, making Brazil the last country in the Western Hemisphere to outlaw slavery. Though hailed as a triumph, the law offered no reparations, land, or support to the newly freed, leaving many in poverty. Brazil’s economy and society, deeply tied to slave labor for centuries, shifted but retained racial hierarchies. The abolition marked a pivotal moment in the global anti-slavery movement but also signaled the start of a long struggle for Afro-Brazilians\’ civil rights. Today, May 13 is a day of remembrance and activism among Afro-Brazilian communities, who continue to fight for racial justice and recognition of their contributions to Brazil’s culture, economy, and identity.