US singer Ciara granted Benin citizenship under new law for slave trade descendants
US singer Ciara became one of the first public figures to be granted Benin citizenship through a new law aimed at offering nationality to the descendants of enslaved people.
In a video posted on her Instagram account, Ciara shared glimpses of the ceremony where she accepted her certificate of nationality before government representatives and cultural leaders.
"July 26, history was made. On this year’s United Nations International Day of Women and Girls of African Descent, I was honored to receive Beninese citizenship, becoming the first person in the world granted nationality under this new initiative!" her caption began.
"To be welcomed by His Excellency President Patrice Talon, the Office of Benin Tourism, and the beautiful people of Benin is a moment I will never forget. Thank you Benin for opening your arms and your heart to me. See you soon," she added.
The music artist also shared her heartfelt speech during the ceremony, where she highlighted how her "heart is full of so much gratitude during this special moment."
"Beyond what words could say, but I just want to say thank you so, so much for this special honor. I'm gonna hold this very close to my heart. I cannot wait to go home and show my family this beautiful certificate. I feel incredibly proud to be here with you all," Ciara said.
"I feel incredibly proud to also be a part of the importance of this moment and what it means. The significance of this moment is so, so special, so powerful. And I feel inspired," she added.
Ciara's citizenship comes after the government enacted the My Afro Origins Law, which grants citizenship to people with an African ancestor who was taken from their homeland as part of the transatlantic slave trade.
The country in West Africa was once known as a major departure point for enslaved Africans shipped across the Atlantic Ocean to the Americas during the 18th and 19th centuries.
"This act, which is symbolic, humane, and historic, is not merely an administrative gesture. It is a gesture of the soul, a return to one's roots, a hand extended to those whom history, in its brutality, had torn from this land," the government said, per a report from BBC.
Descendants can apply for citizenship through the My Afro Origins website, where they must complete the application form and submit the necessary documents. If the application is approved, they can receive their Beninese nationality certificate.
Ciara rose to prominence with her R&B and pop hits such as Goodies and 1, 2 Step.
