Martina Carrillo

Martina Carrillo (born c. 1750, died after 1778) was a black Ecuadorian (living in what was then the Viceroyalty of New Granada) activist who defended the rights of black people and fought against slavery. Together with six other slaves of African descent, in 1778 she went to Quito to present her case to the president of the Royal Audience who promised to help them. They were nevertheless punished by whipping, Carrillo receiving 300 strokes. Today she is honored as a national heroine. Provided by Wikipedia