BACKGROUND: Quilombos are part of a sad time in the history of Brazil. Slavery has left deep marks in the country; wounds that still insist on not healing. In this story of exclusion, inequality and institutionalized racism, emerging communities of afro-descendents, fighting for access and inclusion policies for their populations. Access to health care in Brazil is still a very controversial issue since the creation of the Unified Health System (SUS). The quilombolas claim full right and access to complete health care. PURPOSE: to introduce health professionals to reflect on issues relevant to the said populations and their difficulties in defending their rights of access to health care. CONCLUSION: it is evident in the trajectory of SUS in Brazil that there are major flaws in the inclusion of historically marginalized people, jettisoning them in the process of human and social growth. The public health policies should seek equity through comprehensive care for special groups, especially the poor maroon communities in Brazil.