Henrique Dias

Henrique Dias (died 8 June 1662)[1] was a Portuguese soldier and militia leader born in the colony of Brazil.

Dias led a military regiment composed of enslaved and freed slaves and was known as "Governor of the Blacks" in 1636.

[2] Dias defended Portuguese settlements from Dutch forces and played important roles in the First and Second Battles of Guararapes,[3][4] in the defense of Salvador, Bahia, and to restore Portuguese control over Pernambuco.

Dias requested the enslaved blacks who served with him be freed should have "all the rights and privileges of white units".

[10] Dias also requested to be compensated for his efforts and allowed to serve as long as he wished.