Over the years, many Black Americans have embarked on journeys to discover their African heritage. This search for identity often leads them to trace their roots back to specific regions in Africa. Some even go beyond reconnecting by obtaining dual citizenship and actively participating in the cultural life of their ancestral homelands. Here are 10 notable Black Americans who have successfully traced their African ancestry and, in some cases, even reclaimed African citizenship.
1. Stevie Wonder
The legendary musician and 25-time Grammy Award winner, Stevie Wonder, has long been connected to his African heritage. In a significant moment, he was granted Ghanaian citizenship by President Nana Akufo-Addo. Stevie Wonder expressed his intention to permanently relocate to Ghana in 2021, driven by the increasing racial tensions in the United States. This move marks a deeper commitment to connecting with his ancestral roots and living in a place where he feels truly at home.
2. Ludacris
Atlanta-based rapper and actor Ludacris made headlines when he obtained Gabonese citizenship. His wife, Eudoxie Mbouguiengue, hails from Gabon, and during a family visit, Ludacris and their daughters were surprised with citizenship. The family’s strong connection to Gabon reflects their deep ties to the country. Additionally, Ludacris was one of the many celebrities who visited Ghana during the 2019 Year of Return, celebrating New Year’s Eve in the West African nation.
3. Samuel L. Jackson
Samuel L. Jackson’s journey to trace his African ancestry led him to Gabon, where he discovered that he is connected to the Benga tribe. The actor’s DNA test results were part of the documentary series Finding Your Roots. During his 2019 visit to Gabon, he met with the country’s president and was honored with Gabonese citizenship and a passport. This powerful reconnection deepened Jackson’s understanding of his lineage.
4. Tiffany Haddish
Comedian and actress Tiffany Haddish proudly embraced her Eritrean roots by becoming a full citizen of the East African nation in 2019. Her father, Tsihaye Reda Haddish, was Eritrean, and after his passing in 2018, Haddish visited the country for the first time to bury him. Since then, she has maintained a strong bond with her father’s homeland, actively engaging with the local culture and proudly representing her Eritrean heritage.
5. Idris Elba
British actor Idris Elba has always expressed pride in his African roots. In 2019, he received citizenship from Sierra Leone, his father’s birthplace. Raised in East London, Elba gained international fame through roles in Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom and The Wire. His journey back to Sierra Leone allowed him to reconnect with family and rediscover his cultural identity.
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6. Erykah Badu
The soulful singer Erykah Badu’s exploration of her ancestry took her to Cameroon in 2015, where she learned she is connected to the Bamileke tribe. Her trip, documented by OkayAfrica, was more than just a visit—it was a spiritual experience. Badu fully embraced the culture, meeting with chiefs and engaging in meaningful interactions with the local community during her stay.
7. Don Cheadle
Actor Don Cheadle, best known for his roles in Hotel Rwanda and Iron Man, discovered his roots in Cameroon. His DNA results revealed paternal ties to the Ewondo ethnic group and maternal connections to the Bamileke, Masa, and Tikar peoples. Cheadle’s ancestral exploration highlights the richness and diversity of African lineage, sparking further interest in learning about his heritage.
8. Whoopi Goldberg
Whoopi Goldberg, born and raised in New York City, traced her ancestry to Guinea-Bissau. Although she was invited to visit the country, Goldberg declined due to her fear of flying. Despite this, her connection to her roots remains strong, and she has expressed pride in her African ancestry throughout her career.
9. Oprah Winfrey
Through her participation in the show African American Lives, Oprah Winfrey discovered that her ancestry spans across multiple regions in Africa. Her lineage includes the Kpelle people of Liberia, the Bamileke of Cameroon, and Zambia. Winfrey’s discovery deepened her sense of identity and connection to her African heritage, which she has often spoken about publicly.
10. Chris Tucker
Comedian and actor Chris Tucker, famous for his roles in Friday and the Rush Hour series, traced his roots back to Angola and Cameroon. His discovery highlights the diverse backgrounds of Black Americans and the rich history that connects them to various parts of Africa.
Conclusion
The journeys of these 10 Black Americans reflect a growing movement to reconnect with African heritage, not only through DNA testing but also by immersing themselves in the cultures of their ancestral lands. For many, tracing their roots has been a life-changing experience, allowing them to reclaim a part of their identity that had been lost over generations. This reconnection is more than symbolic; it represents a return to a cultural lineage that has shaped who they are today.