The Black Guard of the Redemptress (Portuguese: Guarda Negra da Redentora) was a paramilitary[1] secret society in Rio de Janeiro[2] composed of Brazilian former African slaves freed on May 13, 1888, by the signature of the Golden Law by Isabel, Princess Imperial of Brazil.

[11] Soon after the signing of the law, the Black Guard was organized in Rio de Janeiro by a group called the "Inhabitants of the Moon".

Historian Evaristo de Moraes wrote that "there was no way to contain that frenzy, unfolding in genuflection at the feet of the golden-haired mother of the slaves [Princess Isabel] and going so far as the creation of a Black Guard.

On December 30, the Black Guard threatened Jardim and José Lopes da Silva, who were planning a rally at Rio's French School.

The ensuing conflict lasted for 30 minutes, as members of the Black Guard attempted to get into the building, until mounted police ended the fight.

Throughout February, armed Blacks continued to disrupt and attack republicans, particularly Jardim who was touring to gain support for his movement.

Floriano Peixoto stated that the coup was motivated by a belief the Black Guard was about to launch an attack in Rio,[5][19] and it was used as a justification by other army officers.