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Grammy award-winning singer Ciara is among the first public figures to be granted citizenship in the West African country of Benin under a new law offering nationality to descendants of enslaved people.

On Saturday (July 26), Ciara received her Benin citizenship during a ceremony amid the country’s effort to reconnect with the Black diaspora, acknowledge its role in the transatlantic slave trade, and promote memorial tourism, per the Associated Press .

“By legally recognizing these children of Africa, Benin is healing a historical wound,” Justice Minister Yvon Détchénou said. “It is an act of justice, but also one of belonging and hope.”

In September, Benin passed a new law allowing citizenship for individuals over 18 who can prove descent from enslave

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