Sebastián Lemba

Sebastian Lemba was a black anti-slavery leader who led a protracted rebellion against slavery on the island of Hispaniola and died in about 1547. These black rebels were called "maroons."

He would have been born on December 24, 1520, in Africa, probably a member of the Lemba nation by his mother and the Calembo by his father, whence his surname may come. When Sebastian Lemba was young, he was captured in Africa and taken to Hispaniola in about 1525.

Due to the mistreatment of slaves in Hispaniola, Sebastian Lemba Calembo and a group of slaves rose in about 1532. In that sense, he escaped and marched to the mountain and for some 15 years he fought the Spanish authorities. Sebastian Lemba Calembo and his group were joined by other slaves.

At the time they could be between 150 and 400 men. Lemba Calembo directed these men as if it were an army. They went to any village, attacked the Spaniards, and freed other slaves. They moved all over the island. His palenques were in Higuey, Azua, Bahoruco, San Juan de la Maguana, Puerto Plata and Seibo.

Finally, on September 17, 1547, he was captured. The circumstances, place and date of his death are not clear, but it is said that it occurred between 1547 and 1548, in San Juan de la Maguana or another place in the south of the country, although it is also said that it was in Santo Domingo, where it was taken after being captured and was killed in one of the gates of the walls between the Fort of San Gil and the Gate of the Count, which was called for a time "The Gate of Lemba Calembo."

The action of Sebastián Lemba Calembo has a particular historical importance. He was one of the first to begin the struggle against slavery throughout the American Continent. See

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