On January 30, 2023, the Bahia government finalized compensation payments to the family of Mãe Bernadete (Bernadete Pacífico), a prominent quilombola leader who was assassinated in 2023 in Simões Filho, part of Salvador's metropolitan area. This compensation stems from an extrajudicial agreement made between the Bahia State, the federal government, and Bernadete's family—the specific amounts of compensation remain confidential. Bernadete Pacífico was tragically killed on August 17, 2023, in her residence, which served as the headquarters for the quilombola association in Simões Filho. As the national coordinator for the National Coordination of Quilombos (Conaq), she was instrumental in advocating against violence directed at quilombola communities and was actively involved in land rights issues. Her dedication to these causes was heightened following the murder of her son, Flávio Gabriel Pacífico dos Santos, in 2017, which intensified her fight against violence targeting both religious ceremonies and the safety of African-descended leaders. The implications of the compensation payment highlight the State's acknowledgment of the ongoing struggles faced by quilombola communities, particularly in terms of violence and land rights. Moreover, it emphasizes the necessity for continued support and protection for leaders like Mãe Bernadete, who risk their lives advocating for their communities, as well as the importance of addressing systemic issues contributing to violence against marginalized groups in Brazil.