International Ota Benga Committee

A Message from the Founder and Chair, Ann Van de Graaf

A Message from the Co-Chair and Spokesperson, Dr. Myra Gordon

Mission Statement

To keep the story of Ota Benga alive and use it as a clarion call for efforts to increase human dignity, respect for diversity, and social progress for all.

Goals

1. 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.
2. Cemetery Preservation
   To maintain and develop the place where Ota’s remains will be memorialized forever.
3. Validation of Pygmies
   To work for the acknowledgement, elevation, and protection of Ota’s people.
4. Repatriation
   To fulfill Ota’s dying wish to go back home to Congo by returning his remains.
5. Restorative Justice
   To seek repair from those who were involved in the violations of Ota’s human dignity.