Game of Freedom

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A meia lua whooshed in the air, evaded with an aú as two young men played capoeira in the roda. Bimba wanted to join. The origins of capoeira—a blend of martial arts, dance, acrobatics, music, and spirituality—are debated, but by the early 20th century, it was uniquely Brazilian, primarily practiced by people of African descent. In 1890, shortly after Brazil abolished slavery, capoeira was outlawed, as the wealthy elite viewed it as a game for the "malandros," the marginalized Black communities they despised. However, in the early 1920s, Bimba emerged in Salvador, advocating for capoeira and its practitioners to be treated with dignity and respect. Duncan Tonatiuh’s lyrical prose and illustrations, inspired by pre-Columbian codices, tell the story of this remarkable capoeirista who transformed a misunderstood and persecuted Afro-Brazilian activity into a celebrated art form embraced by millions worldwide. In 2014, UNESCO recognized capoeira as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, highlighting its role in promoting social integration and commemorating the struggle against historical oppression. This work is a stirring celebration of solidarity and resistance through art.