Episode
First Descendant of Clotilda Gains Benin Citizenship | Birmingham News
- Published
- Jul 4, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 106
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Summary
Cassandra Lewis just became the first descendant of the Clotilda survivors to gain citizenship in Benin — the homeland of her great-great-grandfather, Cudjo Lewis, one of the last enslaved people brought to America on that ship. Her journey, rooted in generations of family stories, culminated in a powerful full-circle moment as she received her citizenship in Benin, even bringing a cutout of Cudjo to symbolize her connection. This historic milestone is made possible by a new Benin law recognizing descendants of those deported during the slave trade, marking a step toward healing and reconciliation. Arriving during the inauguration of Benin’s new president, Cassandra described the experience as vibrant and deeply moving — a cultural and personal triumph that bridges continents and generations, offering hope to others seeking to reclaim their roots. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn Advertise on DNN: [email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/d7ece607822ce6e0