The International Ota Benga Committee (OBIC) exists to honor Ota Benga’s memory and address the injustices he endured after being taken from Congo and exhibited in the United States. Through education, preservation, and efforts to return his remains to Congo, OBIC seeks to turn his story into a call for human dignity, respect for diversity, and restorative justice. To this end the Committee works under five stated goals.
Education
To keep the memory of Ota Benga alive domestically and in Congo and to use his story to promote the values of human dignity, cultural diversity, unity, and progress for all.
Follow this link for more information on our Education initiatives.
Cemetery Preservation
To maintain and develop the place where Ota’s remains will be memorialized forever.
Follow this link for more information on our Cemetery Preservation efforts
Validation of Pygmies
To work for the acknowledgement, elevation, and protection of Ota’s people.
Follow this link for more information on our work with Pygmies
Repatriation
To fulfill Ota’s dying wish to go back home to Congo by returning his remains.
Follow this link for more information on the Committee’s repatriation work
Restorative Justice
To seek repair from those who were involved in the violations of Ota’s human dignity.
Follow this link for more information on the Committee’s work in Restorative Justice