This Brazilian lady of African descent wrote the novel URSULA thirty years before queen regent Dona Isabel abolished slavery in 1888. The golden law as known in Brazil.

She was not just the first woman to write a novel, it hinted at ending slavery. She also wrote a collection of short stories. Maria Firmina was a literati, a poet and a composer. She was an excellent teacher and activist against slavery.

When she was fifty-five she found a school for poor children in addition to her adopted ten.

She was a brave woman. Do you think adopting ten children was generous? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.