**The American singer highlights the importance of heritage as she receives citizenship under Benin's My Afro Origins Law, aimed at strengthening ties with the African diaspora.**
**Ciara Embraces Her Roots: Becomes Citizen of Benin Through New Descent Law**
**Ciara Embraces Her Roots: Becomes Citizen of Benin Through New Descent Law**
**US Grammy-winning artist Ciara celebrates her new citizenship in Benin, marking a significant cultural reconnection for descendants of slaves.**
In a landmark move that embodies cultural heritage and reconciliation, Grammy-winning artist Ciara has become one of the first public figures to receive citizenship from Benin under a newly instituted law aimed at descendants of enslaved Africans. Celebrating her citizenship, she expressed her gratitude in an Instagram post, saying she felt "honoured" and extended her appreciation to the country for embracing her.
The ceremony, held in Cotonou, marks a pivotal moment not just for Ciara, but also for the West African nation as it looks to solidify relationships with the African diaspora and promote cultural tourism. The Beninese government described the granting of citizenship as "symbolic, humane, and historic," recognizing it as a significant act of returning to one's roots and connecting with those separated by the brutal history of slavery.
Benin's recent legislation, dubbed the My Afro Origins Law, facilitates citizenship for individuals with African ancestry linked to the transatlantic slave trade, joining other nations like Ghana and Guinea-Bissau in similar initiatives. Interested descendants can now submit their applications for citizenship through a dedicated website.
This announcement follows the recent appointment of acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee and his wife, Tonya Lewis Lee, as cultural ambassadors for African-Americans, further emphasizing Benin's commitment to reconnecting with the descendants of those taken from their homeland. Historically, Benin's coastline was part of the notorious Slave Coast, wherein the Kingdom of Whydah alone is estimated to have exported over a million Africans to destinations across the Americas from the late 16th to the early 18th centuries.
This initiative seeks to broaden awareness and cultivate deeper connections with the African heritage, encouraging a sense of unity and pride among the descendants of enslaved individuals. As global cultural dialogues continue to evolve, Ciara's story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of acknowledging and celebrating one's roots.
The ceremony, held in Cotonou, marks a pivotal moment not just for Ciara, but also for the West African nation as it looks to solidify relationships with the African diaspora and promote cultural tourism. The Beninese government described the granting of citizenship as "symbolic, humane, and historic," recognizing it as a significant act of returning to one's roots and connecting with those separated by the brutal history of slavery.
Benin's recent legislation, dubbed the My Afro Origins Law, facilitates citizenship for individuals with African ancestry linked to the transatlantic slave trade, joining other nations like Ghana and Guinea-Bissau in similar initiatives. Interested descendants can now submit their applications for citizenship through a dedicated website.
This announcement follows the recent appointment of acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee and his wife, Tonya Lewis Lee, as cultural ambassadors for African-Americans, further emphasizing Benin's commitment to reconnecting with the descendants of those taken from their homeland. Historically, Benin's coastline was part of the notorious Slave Coast, wherein the Kingdom of Whydah alone is estimated to have exported over a million Africans to destinations across the Americas from the late 16th to the early 18th centuries.
This initiative seeks to broaden awareness and cultivate deeper connections with the African heritage, encouraging a sense of unity and pride among the descendants of enslaved individuals. As global cultural dialogues continue to evolve, Ciara's story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of acknowledging and celebrating one's roots.
