Black Venezuelan Independence Hero Given National Honors

The remains of the Venezuelan independence hero, Pedro Camejo, also known as “Negro Primero,” were transferred from the National Assembly to the Pantheon in the capital Caracas on Wednesday.

 

The ceremony took place after lawmakers paid tribute to the historical figure during an extraordinary session, on the commemoration of the 194^th anniversary of the Battle of Carabobo.

National Assembly President Diosdado Cabello was in charge of the official delivery of his remains.

#Chavezavive le gritan a @piedadcordoba y los invitados, mientras pasan por la #PlazaBolivar! #NegroPrimeroEsLealtad pic.twitter.com/fQnHHfEnAU

— Dayon Moiz (@DMoizteleSUR) junio 24, 2015

Former Colombian Senator Piedad Cordoba also attended the ceremony, which evoked how the national hero died on the battlefield on June 24, 1821, fighting for independence.

“We came here,” said the governor of Anzoategui state, Aristobulo Isturiz, “to pay tribute to the role of the people, indigenous children, Black and white (in achieving independence).”

“Negro Primero, so you can rest where you should have (always been), allow us to accompany you to the National Pantheon,” he added.