A Look at the Life of Fortunata Maria da Conceição

An African Nagô woman, Fortunata Maria da Conceição fought for the freedom of several captives. In the middle of 1848, already a freed woman, she petitioned the judges and councilors complaining that her husband, João José Barbosa, a freed African Mina, intended to sell the couple’s trade stall in the Market Square without her consent, while the two were “dealing with their divorce.” According to investigations, “the freed Minas Fortunata Maria da Conceição and João José Barbosa, installed in stall 108 since 1842, were constantly seen in the surroundings of Rua do Sabão in quite violent fights.” There were also accusations of domestic violence, jealousy and adultery.