Who We Are?
The Abóbë Cultural Institute and Learning Center, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, uplifting, and reactivating the rich cultural heritage of the Bubi people and the wider African Diaspora. We serve as a vibrant hub for cultural education, ancestral reconnection, and community empowerment.
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower the Bubi people of Bioko Island by preserving and promoting our rich heritage.
Purpose
At Abóbë Cultural Institute & learning Center Inc., our purpose is to safeguard and celebrate the distinct and unique cultural heritage of the Bubi people of Bioko Island. We strive to cultivate a strong sense of identity and pride within the Bubi community by offering educational programs, supporting cultural initiatives, and encouraging sustainable development. Our work is dedicated to ensuring that the Bubi language, history, and traditions are not only preserved but flourish for future generations. Ultimately, we aim to empower the Bubi people to honor their heritage while fostering a vibrant and sustainable future.
- Meet the Board -
Bötapánna Bokara - President
I have always been connected to my history and my love for Africa through my family and what they taught.. I began to learn my path within my Aböbé Culture in 2019. I am a son, a father, a husband, a brother, an uncle, a cousin and a friend and have been grateful to serve in each role throughout my life. I have enjoyed learning about who we are culturally, learning about the language of my grandparents, and have met many wonderful Batyö Aböbé during this process. I am an engineer by trade, and have worked in the aircraft industry for 24 years. I enjoy learning and exercise and I enjoy traveling to see how black culture has evolved in different spaces within the United States and beyond. My contribution to ACI is President and I was extremely proud to be a part of the 1st Aböbé Family Day held in the states; and have visited Spain to attend Ölöita Lué Ësèsèmbè. I am from Omaha, Nebraska and I live in Kansas.. My goal is to share what I have learned with others and to continue to learn who I am and how I can assist others in doing the same.
Seridjè Ílaróte - Vice President
N lo hérialo. Në n le Seridjè (Ílaróte). I am a lawyer, certified human rights consultant, polyglot, and author dedicated to the preservation of Bubi history, culture, and language.
In 2021, I discovered that I am öbóbë. Although I always knew I was an Afrikan person from as long as I can remember, I have always been skeptical and curious to know where I come from on the continent. Finding my new identity as a Bubi person helped to fill that void.
Finding myself as a Bubi person started out with cursory searches on the web about Bioko Island and the Bubi people. It then led me to Facebook where I discovered Resplendence Language which offered Bubi language classes. Unhesitatingly, I immediately paid for and joined the classes. Being someone deeply interested and immersed in language learning, this was a no brainer – my thought was “I have to know my language.”
I took three to four iterations of classes and loved the experience, so I decided to keep learning even up to this day.
Since being Vice President, I helped convene and organize a book translation in our language of the There’s Rice at Home book series. That project was extremely successful and, as a result, our book was distributed across six libraries in the UK Legal Deposit system. Thus, because of this edition of the book, our language is being intentionally preserved by libraries across the UK.
My primary objectives in this role are to teach what I know to others, preserve our language and cultural heritage, and be in community with other like minded batyö abóbë (“Bubi people”). We have work to do and I am deeply committed to the task and challenge that such work requires. Potóo.
Óla bötúkku tyí pálá tolo (“The chief never sleeps”) – Bubi proverb
Rihólè Róbitábítta - Secretary, Global Consultant and Digital Marketing Manager
I am Rihólè Róbitábítta, and my name signifies the love of a warrior. I am a Philadelphia native (Go birds!). Professionally, I am a licensed cosmetologist and the proprietor of Salon Rihólè. I am also a proud practitioner of Vita Saana African martial arts and combative science. My journey as a botyö Obóbë started in 2020 however, I have been on this journey since birth. Living/ being born abroad doesn’t change your cultural heritage that flows through your DNA. I was among the inaugural group of “Bubicans” to undertake language classes through Resplendence Language Arts, instructed by Ntá Bolekia. That class ignited the fire that burns inside me. It was like someone dropped a trail of bread crumbs for me to follow. Following that path helped me expand and broaden my network. I’m featured in the award winning documentary the lost children of Bioko island. It’s been an uphill journey since.
As a founding member of ACI, I serve as Secretary, Global Consultant and Digital Marketing Manager. I also curated a cooking series called Lapa la Rihólè (cooking with Rihólè) My goal is to make stepping in to this new world of rediscovery a little easier. I am dedicated to reestablishing ties to our community. Building a bridge for cultural growth. I was always taught “Each one, teach one, each one, reach one”
And that’s what I intend on doing.
Löbëla - Youth Ambassador
I was born and raised in North Philadelphia, a community that has shaped my resilience, creativity, and drive. I am currently a biology major on a pre-pharmacy track, with a strong interest in healthcare and science. Alongside my academic goals, I am deeply interested in modeling as a creative outlet and form of self-expression, allowing me to balance my passion for science with art and confidence.