Henrique Dias

Who was Henrique Dias?

Henrique Dias was a soldier and militia leader born in the Portuguese colony of Brazil. He was born to freed slave parents. There is no consensus among historians whether he was born free or captive. He led freed slaves with distinction against Dutch forces, and played important roles in the First and Second Battles of Guararapes. For his courage and leadership in battle, the Portuguese king made him a knight of the Order of Christ.

Colonial officials created militias composed of freeborn and recently manumitted blacks. These militias, which could be used to quell slave revolts, were referred to as "Henriques". Henriques were an example of cofradia or brotherhoods, usually having their own patron saint. In 1789, 752 crioulo and black freedmen served in seven Henriques regiments.