ABSTRACT
This text aims at discussing the expectations and disputes about black subordination when slavery was at its downfall, in the 1880s. The departure point is a complaint made by the representative of the Baroness of Rio Vermelho regarding a police action that occurred at her residence, in 1885, when her slaves and servants gathered to dance samba. The response of the police’s subdelegate who led this action was linked to the debate inherent to the slavery crisis, specifically with respect to the limits of black freedom. At the same time, in 1884-1885, the abolitionist movement’s main target of attack was the Baron of Cotegipe, whom they viewed as a tormentor of the black race from which he was a descendant. On one hand insubordinate samba participants, and the pro-slavery leader on the other, were both subjected to racialization, while those living through the great social transformations of the time were constructing a post-abolition world. The main sources consulted include police documentation, personal correspondence, abolitionist press and legislation.
Keywords:
racialization; abolition; post abolition; “colored people”