On July 31st, the Republic of Benin had the immense honor of welcoming Ms. Lauryn Hill to its soil for the very first time.
Her visit, rich in symbolism and significance, coincided with Benin’s Independence Day and included a stop at the Amazon Monument — home to Africa’s second-largest statue and a towering tribute to female strength, history, and resistance.
This moment was more than ceremonial. It was a convergence of legacy and lineage, as Ms. Hill stood among the Beninese people to mark not just a national anniversary, but a transgenerational reconnection — one that will echo for years to come.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Benin Tourism, Lionel Talon, and the EYA Center for making this vision a reality in record time. We also acknowledge the enduring support and foresight of President Patrice Talon, whose commitment continues to open tangible pathways for Afro-descendants to reconnect with their ancestral roots.
Special thanks to Alvin and Fatima for building the bridges in alignment with The Right Connect’s mission — reclaiming our collective narrative through intentional, strategic relationships.
We are also deeply grateful to Sofitel Cotonou, whose hospitality and excellence elevated every aspect of the delegation’s stay.
And above all, we thank Ms. Lauryn Hill — artist, thinker, and cultural force — for lending her presence, her voice, and her enduring grace to this historic journey. Your integrity, insight, and courage continue to inspire a global generation of Black youth committed to healing, reclamation, and truth.
This was not a coincidence. It was alignment.
This is The Right Connect.
Photos below:
Photography by @shawnpicture__
Assisted by @klausatasse
