Ephrem KITOYI, M.A, PMP

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Ephrem Kitoyi was born and raised in Benin, formerly the Kingdom of Dahomey. His journey in African-American history and heritage preservation began with a Master of Arts in African-American Civilizations from the University of Abomey Calavi, the oldest and largest university in Benin. His passion for the subject led him to immigrate to the United States in 2012, where he lived in the historic neighborhoods of Harlem and Bedford-Stuyvesant, immersing himself in their vibrant cultural tapestry. In search for cultural linkage between African-Americans and Benin, Ephrem has embarked on extensive visits to national historical landmarks, including the Whitney Plantation, Monticello, Mount Vernon, Harriet Tubman Home for Aged & Indigent Negroes, and various Civil War and cultural sites. His search revealed his shared history with the Africatown community in Mobile, Alabama. In 2020, he founded Carrefour Benin to promote Beninese culture and facilitate collaboration between Benin, its diaspora related to the slave trade, and its contemporary diaspora by connecting the history and vibrant culture created by African-Americans to the rich history and culture of Benin and Africa Ephrem is very active in the African Diaspora in the United States, advising the National Benin Diaspora on strategy, legal and conflict resolution issues.

As an entrepreneur in New York City, he has built, supported, managed, and advised small businesses in Brooklyn in the hospitality industry. His latest business plan won the 2020 PowerUp award at the Brooklyn Public Library and was featured in the Brooklyn Eagle. He currently lives in the Washington, D.C., area.