The American singer-songwriter's new status highlights an initiative reflecting Benin's commitment to honoring its historical ties and its diaspora's legacy.
Ciara Embraces Heritage: Becomes Benin Citizen Under Landmark Law for Slave Descendants
Ciara Embraces Heritage: Becomes Benin Citizen Under Landmark Law for Slave Descendants
Ciara's citizenship marks a significant move by Benin to reconnect with the African diaspora and promote cultural tourism.
American Grammy-winning artist Ciara has recently been awarded citizenship by the West African nation of Benin, making her one of the first prominent figures to benefit from a new legislation aimed at descendants of enslaved Africans. Expressing her enthusiasm about this honor on Instagram, Ciara remarked that she felt "honoured," and expressed gratitude to Benin for its heartfelt welcome.
The new citizenship initiative, part of Benin's broader strategy to strengthen relationships with the African diaspora and encourage cultural tourism, underscores a symbolic, humane gesture aiming at restoring connections severed by history. "This act ... is a gesture of the soul, a return to one's roots," stated Benin's government following the ceremony held in the bustling city of Cotonou.
Incorporated through the My Afro Origins Law, enacted last year, Benin's move to offer citizenship built upon similar initiatives by other countries like Ghana and Guinea-Bissau. Individuals with an African ancestor forced from their homeland during the transatlantic slave trade can now apply for nationality via a newly established online platform.
In addition to this groundbreaking citizenship law, Benin last week appointed renowned filmmaker Spike Lee and his wife, Tonya Lewis Lee, as ambassadors aimed at engaging the African-American community in the United States.
With its historical coastline once dubbed the Slave Coast, Benin holds poignant significance in the history of the slave trade. The Kingdom of Whydah, situated along Benin's coast, was a prominent slave trading hub that is estimated to have sent over a million Africans to the Americas, particularly between 1580 and 1727.
This strategic initiative not only positions Benin as a cultural destination but also aims to reconnect individuals of African descent worldwide to their ancestral roots.
