Wiping away tears, the 39-year-old artist mirrored on the second, saying, “I feel incredibly proud. The significance of this moment is so special.”

Ciara’s journey was organized in collaboration with RollingStone Africa and the tour firm Explore Benin. Her travels took her to the port metropolis of Cotonou and the historic city of Ouidah—house to the Slave Route and the Door of No Return. Explore Benin welcomed her with the highly effective message: “Ciara walks the land of her ancestors for the first time.”

This citizenship is a part of a brand new effort by the Beninese authorities to supply nationality to descendants of enslaved Africans. “This initiative translates the willingness of Benin to assume its historical responsibility, to reconnect with its children scattered around the world, and to make its territory a land of welcome, memory and future,” Explore Benin acknowledged.

On Sunday, Ciara posted a video from the ceremony to Instagram, displaying her proudly holding her certificates. “July 26, history was made,” she captioned it. “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 husband, Russell Wilson, additionally confirmed love on his Instagram Story: “So proud of you baby! @ciara ❤️ Africa.” Ciara reposted the message, writing, “I love you baby!”