What is a maroon communities?

Maroon communities are groups of enslaved Africans who escaped from plantations and formed their own independent settlements in remote areas, particularly in the Americas, during the colonial period. These communities often developed unique cultures that blended African traditions with local influences, creating distinct social structures and ways of life. Maroons typically resisted colonial authorities and maintained their autonomy, sometimes engaging in guerrilla warfare to protect their settlements. Notable examples of maroon communities include the Cimarrones in Brazil and the Maroons of Jamaica.