The leader, Maria do Céu Ferreira da Silva, did not resist the burn injuries caused by her ex-husband. She was president of the Association of Black Laurels of Serra do Talhado and leader of the quilombola community of Serra do Talhado Urbano, in the state of Paraíba. The activist was known for being a generous woman, "great of soul, mind and heart". She spared no effort to defend the quilombola people and black women and fight for improvements for her community.
