Lecture Notes: Guinea-Bissau Citizenship for African Descendants

Introduction

• Speaker: Ambassador Tim Ford Jr. of the African Union
• Topic: Citizenship for descendants of the transatlantic slave trade in Guinea-Bissau via DNA testing through African Ancestry.

Key Points

The Initiative

• Guinea-Bissau offers citizenship to those with African descent traced back to the region through DNA testing.
• Citizenship is granted via African Ancestry DNA tests.

Balanta Basa Society

• A genealogy society based in America and Guinea-Bissau.
• Plays a crucial role in enabling descendants of the slave trade to obtain African citizenship.
• Has been instrumental in securing citizenship for nine members as of January 16, 2025.

Naturalization Process

• Began in April 2021 with collaboration from Guinea-Bissau's State Secretary of Tourism and Arts.
• Requirements for citizenship:
  • Letter of application.
  • Passport and birth certificate copies.
  • African Ancestry test results.

Societal Impact and Historical Context

• Significant move for African descendants wanting to reconnect with ancestral roots.
• Balanta Basa helps individuals understand and preserve their genealogy.
• Encourages educational outreach and cultural heritage preservation.

Leadership and Influence

• President and Founder: Supu Bala (Anthony Tony Nathaniel Blake)
  • Background in civil rights movement and sports.
  • Advocates for Black liberation and re-education.
  • Active in both America and Africa helping people reconnect and gain citizenship.

Broader Implications

• Guinea-Bissau is the third African country offering such opportunities.
• This movement may expand across the continent.
• Importance of being prepared and informed about the process.

Actionable Steps

1. Visit relevant websites to understand membership and citizenship procedures.
2. Follow steps laid out by pioneer organizations for smooth transition.
3. Consider investing or working in Guinea-Bissau or other African countries.

Additional Resources

• Ambassador Tim Ford Jr. offers a free document and course for transitioning to Africa.
• Offers consultations for a smooth relocation process.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to pursue citizenship if eligible and to remain focused on personal and community goals.
• Contact information for further assistance and resources on making the transition.

Audience Engagement

• Invitation to discuss plans and thoughts on relocating to Africa.

Final Remarks

• The importance of staying informed and proactive regarding citizenship opportunities in Guinea-Bissau.
• Emotional encouragement to pursue personal heritage and reconnect with African roots.