Benin has named Spike Lee and Tonya Lewis Lee as ambassadors aimed at strengthening connections between the African-American community and their cultural roots through various initiatives, including promoting citizenship for descendants of enslaved Africans.
Benin Appoints Spike Lee and Wife as Ambassadors to African-American Community
Benin Appoints Spike Lee and Wife as Ambassadors to African-American Community
The renowned filmmaker and his wife will promote cultural ties between Benin and people of African descent in the U.S.
Benin has made the significant decision to appoint acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee and his wife, Tonya Lewis Lee, as ambassadors for African-Americans living in the United States. Their role as "thematic" ambassadors will involve raising awareness and supporting efforts to enhance ties between Benin and people of African descent. This agreement was solidified during their visit to the capital city, Cotonou, last week, according to reports from French public broadcaster RFI.
The Beninese government aims to reconnect individuals of African descent worldwide with their historical, cultural, and spiritual heritage. In recent years, the country has implemented multiple initiatives designed to encourage people of African heritage to reclaim their ancestry and pursue citizenship opportunities. Notably, in the past year, Benin passed legislation permitting individuals with African ancestral ties to obtain nationality, specifically those whose ancestors were forcibly taken during the transatlantic slave trade.
The appointment of Spike Lee and Tonya Lewis Lee coincides with the recent launch of a dedicated website where descendants of enslaved Africans can submit their applications for citizenship. Reports indicate that Tonya Lewis Lee was among those who applied and received a favorable response.
The move follows Ghana's initiative in 2019, heralding the "Year of Return" aimed at reconnecting individuals of African heritage with the continent. While Spike Lee has disclosed that DNA analysis traced his father's lineage to Cameroon and his mother’s to Sierra Leone, Tonya's ancestral country has not been revealed. Both Lee and his wife are known for their advocacy of civil rights and social justice, often seen in Spike's filmography, which tackles themes related to race, identity, and justice.
The Benin government emphasized that through their commitment to justice, creativity, and global influence, Spike Lee and Tonya Lewis Lee have significantly impacted the narrative of the African diaspora. While they have yet to make a public statement regarding their new roles, their influence is expected to resonate deeply, especially given Benin's poignant history related to the slave trade, where the coastline was a departure point for countless enslaved Africans between 1580 and 1727.
