A Brief History

The International Ota Benga Memorial Committee was founded in 2005, under the leadership of Mrs. Ann van de Graaf and Rev. Dr. Dibinga wa Said (1940-2020). Both Dibinga wa Said and van de Graaf sought to shed light on the tragedy and sheer injustice that is the story of Ota Benga. In 2007, the Committee conducted a 3-day international conference on “The Empowerment of the Pygmies” co-sponsored by the University of Lynchburg, Randolph College, and Sweet Briar College.

Today

In June 2022, the Committee was reorganized, and new leadership roles were added. Today, the Committee is composed of 22 citizen volunteers who are professionals, community leaders, university faculty, artists and performers, religious leaders, and entrepreneurs.