True Life Story Of Ota Benga
True Life Story Of Ota Benga
The Story Of Ota Benga’s Life:
Ota Benga was born around 1883 in the Ituri Forest of the Congo Free State, which is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He belonged to the Mbuti people, a group of Congo pygmies known for their nomadic lifestyle.
After returning from a hunting trip to find his village destroyed and his family killed, Benga was cap*tured and sold into slavery. In 1904, he was discovered by American businessman and explorer Samuel Phillips Verner at a sla**ve market. Verner brought Benga to the United States to be displayed at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis, Missouri, and later at the Bronx Zoo in New York City, where he was exhibited alongside an orangutan.
Following protests against his inhumane treatment, Benga was released from the zoo and placed in the care of James H. Gordon, who supervised the Howard Colored Orphan Asy*lum in Brooklyn. Benga was later moved to Lynchburg, Virginia, where he received tutoring in English and worked at a tobacco factory.
Benga longed to return to Africa, and efforts were made to facilitate his journey back. However, the outbreak of World W**ar I in 1914 halted passenger ship travel, trapping him in the United States.
Struggling with depression and unable to return home, Ota Benga to**ok his own life on March 20, 1916, in Lynchburg, Virginia. He was approximately 33 years old.
Benga’s story is a stark reminder of the dark aspects of colonialism and the exploitation of individuals for entertainment.
I think Nigeria nolly wood should use this story and produce an epic movie. Mercy Johnson Okojie what do you think mummy?
