Benin names Spike Lee and wife ambassadors for African-Americans in the US
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Benin appoints Spike Lee and Tonya Lewis Lee to strengthen cultural ties with African-Americans.
Spike Lee and Wife Named Benin’s Ambassadors for African-Americans
Benin has officially appointed American filmmaker Spike Lee and his wife, Tonya Lewis Lee, as ambassadors for African-Americans in the United States. The government’s initiative aims to strengthen ties between the West African nation and the African diaspora, especially people of African descent in the U.S.
According to French public broadcaster RFI, the appointment was confirmed during the couple’s recent visit to Cotonou, Benin’s capital. Both will serve as “thematic ambassadors,” focusing on cultural awareness and promoting initiatives that reconnect African-Americans with their ancestral heritage.
The government hopes the move will foster deeper spiritual, historical, and cultural links. Additionally, it aims to boost cultural tourism by encouraging African-Americans to reclaim their heritage, apply for citizenship, and explore their roots in Benin.
Benin recently passed a landmark law offering nationality to individuals with at least one African ancestor taken through the transatlantic slave trade. A dedicated website has also been launched to make the application process easier for descendants of enslaved Africans.
Tonya Lewis Lee, a successful author and producer, was among those who applied for nationality and reportedly received a positive response during her visit to Benin last year. Spike Lee, on the other hand, has previously revealed that DNA analysis linked his father’s roots to Cameroon and his mother’s to Sierra Leone.
Both have long been outspoken advocates for civil rights and social justice. Spike Lee is known for films that center on African-American experiences and themes of identity, justice, and race. The Benin government praised the couple for their creative influence and commitment to justice, stating that they have “profoundly shaped the contemporary narrative of the African diaspora.”
Their appointment follows similar efforts by other African countries. In 2019, Ghana launched its “Year of Return” campaign to encourage people of African heritage to visit or resettle in the continent. That initiative saw a rise in tourism and renewed connections between Africans and the diaspora.
The announcement has been warmly received in Benin. Many locals expressed enthusiasm about the potential impact. Prospère Yehoume, a 27-year-old student architect, described the move as “a strong cultural message” and “good publicity for Benin.” Carlos Biogbé, who works in marketing, noted it could open doors for more filmmakers to explore Benin as a creative location.
However, some also questioned the government’s decision. Basilia Hinvi, a high school student, welcomed the initiative but wondered why Beninois-American actor Djimon Hounsou was not appointed despite his international success and heritage.
Benin’s coastline was once part of the Slave Coast, a key hub during the transatlantic slave trade. Historical records show that between 1580 and 1727, the Kingdom of Whydah located in present-day Benin exported over one million Africans to the Americas, including the U.S., the Caribbean, and Brazil.
Through this appointment, Benin continues to assert itself as a cultural and historical bridge between Africa and its global diaspora, while honoring the legacy of those who were forcibly taken from its shores centuries ago.
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