This announcement was made during a special event on Tuesday, just before Brazil's World Cup qualifier match against Uruguay. The game ended in a 1-1 draw.
The ceremony, held in honor of Black Consciousness Day, was part of the Golden Roots initiative organized by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).
This program aims to reconnect Brazilian football players with their African ancestry. During the event, a certificate was presented to Vinicius confirming his connection to the Tikar tribe in Cameroon.
A video was also played to share the history and cultural significance of the Tikar people.
Vinicius expressed his joy and pride in discovering his roots. “Finding out that my roots are in Cameroon is very special for me and my family.
It reminds me how important our origins and history are,” he said. His father and CBF President Ednaldo Rodrigues attended the ceremony, further highlighting the importance of the moment.
Gina Paige, founder of AfricanAncestry.com, collaborated with the CBF for this initiative.
She described the discovery as a significant step in resisting racism and addressing the legacy of slavery.
Paige emphasized how reconnecting with African roots is not only personal but also helps build a collective cultural identity.
Ednaldo Rodrigues praised the initiative, stating that by celebrating Vinicius Junior, they are also celebrating the contributions of Afro-Brazilian culture to Brazil's identity.
He noted that many Brazilians have African heritage, and this initiative seeks to restore pride and understanding of these roots.
The Golden Roots program aims to address the historical erasure of African ancestry in Brazil while promoting cultural inclusion and awareness.
By reconnecting players like Vinicius to their heritage, the program inspires pride and unity within the Afro-Brazilian community.
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