Joao Diamante, a Brazilian chef with roots in Afro-Brazilian culture, felt an immediate sense of belonging upon arriving in Cotonou, Benin. Despite never visiting Africa before, he recognized the environment through shared cultural elements reminiscent of his upbringing in Salvador, Brazil. As he learns more about his ancestors, who were enslaved and brought to Brazil, he expresses a desire to reclaim his heritage by obtaining Beninese citizenship, reflecting a deep connection to both his Brazilian identity and African origins.
The first thing I felt was that I was at home... I saw people just like me. I saw similarities.
Diamante believes his ancestors were forcibly brought to Brazil from the west African region... I'm already trying to work out the paperwork.
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