US Grammy winner Ciara has officially become a citizen of Benin, celebrating as part of a newly enacted law facilitating citizenship for descendants of the transatlantic slave trade. The singer expressed her honor and gratitude towards Benin during the citizenship ceremony in Cotonou, emphasizing the significance of this gesture as more than a legal formality.
Ciara Embraces Benin Citizenship, Strengthening Bonds with African Diaspora
Ciara Embraces Benin Citizenship, Strengthening Bonds with African Diaspora
US music icon Ciara receives citizenship in Benin, a move aimed at reconnecting descendants of slaves with their ancestral roots.
In her Instagram announcement, Ciara shared her feelings of being welcomed back into her heritage, stating, "thank you Benin for opening your arms and your heart to me." This initiative, known as the My Afro Origins Law, seeks to strengthen cultural ties between Benin and the African diaspora while promoting tourism.
Benin's government declared this historic act as a symbolic return to roots, acknowledging the painful separation caused by history. Families with African ancestry are now encouraged to apply for citizenship via a dedicated online platform. Alongside Ciara, Benin has also appointed prominent figures like filmmaker Spike Lee and his wife as ambassadors to foster connections with African-Americans living in the US.
Benin's coastline was once called the Slave Coast, a critical point where thousands of Africans were forcibly taken and shipped across the Atlantic. Between 1580 and 1727, the Kingdom of Whydah, located in present-day Benin, saw over a million individuals exported to the Americas, underscoring the historical weight of this initiative.
This move aligns Benin with other nations such as Ghana and Guinea-Bissau, which also offer similar citizenship opportunities. Through these transformative policies, Benin aims to heal historical wounds, fostering a deeper understanding of African heritage and identity across the globe.
Benin's government declared this historic act as a symbolic return to roots, acknowledging the painful separation caused by history. Families with African ancestry are now encouraged to apply for citizenship via a dedicated online platform. Alongside Ciara, Benin has also appointed prominent figures like filmmaker Spike Lee and his wife as ambassadors to foster connections with African-Americans living in the US.
Benin's coastline was once called the Slave Coast, a critical point where thousands of Africans were forcibly taken and shipped across the Atlantic. Between 1580 and 1727, the Kingdom of Whydah, located in present-day Benin, saw over a million individuals exported to the Americas, underscoring the historical weight of this initiative.
This move aligns Benin with other nations such as Ghana and Guinea-Bissau, which also offer similar citizenship opportunities. Through these transformative policies, Benin aims to heal historical wounds, fostering a deeper understanding of African heritage and identity across the globe.
