Benin Women’s National Cycling Team Welcomed at Creatively Black Baltimore

Reception highlights history, culture, and empowerment as Baltimore prepares for the Maryland Cycling Classic

Baltimore’s Inner Harbor became the backdrop for a historic celebration on September 3, 2025, as Creatively Black Baltimore hosted a welcome reception for the Benin Women’s National Cycling Team. The gathering honored the first African female national squad ever to compete in a major United States professional road race and served as a powerful prelude to the Maryland Cycling Classic, which takes place on September 6.

The evening was a blend of cultural pride, international diplomacy, and community connection. Baltimore’s First Lady Hana Scott opened the program by presenting official city citations to Kimberly Coats, the American CEO of Team Africa Rising. Coats has dedicated more than two decades to developing and mentoring cyclists from across Africa. In her remarks, she stressed that this moment is “about kids on bikes and determination.” Coats also recognized the new leadership of Team Director Adrien Niyonshuti, the first Black African cyclist to compete in the Olympic Games in London in 2012 and the central figure in the award-winning documentary Rising from Ashes. Niyonshuti received a citation from the Mayor of Baltimore.

The four Benin riders were honored with their own citations. Raimatou Kpovihouede, Estelle Agossounon, Hermionne Ahouissou, and Charlotte Metoevi each addressed the audience in their native French, bringing greetings that reflected both pride and gratitude. Their words underscored the international significance of their journey to Baltimore.

Maryland’s First Lady Dawn Moore was not in attendance, but she delivered a video message saluting the team and recognizing Baltimore’s growing cultural ties with Benin. Distinguished guests included Former State Senator Michael Mitchell, Professor Jean Bailey of Sister States of Maryland, Toni Lattimore of Baltimore Sister Cities, and Connie Carpenter-Phinney, the first woman to win an Olympic cycling gold medal.

Remarks were also delivered by Terry Hasseltine, Chairman and President of the Sports & Entertainment Corporation of Maryland. Hasseltine highlighted the importance of the race and noted that it would not be possible without the support of Governor Wes Moore and Mayor Brandon Scott. Steve Brunner, Executive Director of the Maryland Cycling Classic, shared a community impact video that documented local students receiving bicycles and learning safety skills, connecting the team’s arrival to the broader cycling movement in Baltimore.

Guests were also guided through the “Dear Black Girl” exhibition by Professor Tamara Payne of the Maryland Institute College of Art. The exhibition featured portraits and testimonials from the Benin cyclists alongside works from Baltimore-based artists. Payne invited each cyclist to sign their personal quotes, which will remain on permanent display in the gallery. Among the participating contributors was Osee Obaonrin, a DMV-based artist originally from Benin, whose work gave the celebration a personal connection to the team’s homeland.

The cultural experience continued with authentic flavors from Mimah’s African Cuisine, which treated guests to traditional dishes from the African continent. The Baltimore Times offered its own tribute when Founder Joy Bramble and Publisher Paris Brown presented the Benin cyclists with framed custom covers featuring their images.

The evening concluded with reflections from Larry “Poncho” Brown, a celebrated Baltimore artist and co-founder of Creatively Black Baltimore. Brown underscored the importance of the space as a hub for art, culture, and storytelling. His remarks tied together the themes of the night, reminding the audience that the welcome reception was not only about honoring athletes but also about deepening ties between communities.

The Benin Women’s National Cycling Team’s reception was more than a ceremonial gathering. It was a moment that highlighted the power of sport, art, and culture to unite people across borders. As Baltimore prepares for the Maryland Cycling Classic, the event at Creatively Black Baltimore left a lasting impression of resilience, pride, and global solidarity.