One name. Two homes. A lasting commitment.
The okapi reminds us where we come from, how we have adapted, and why our connection to the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo remains at the heart of our mission.
We deliberately named our organization after the okapi to honor its unique homeland, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Outside the DRC, the okapi is always a transplanted species far from its native soil—much like we have been transplanted to our new homeland, the United States.
We chose this name to reflect our journey as natives of the DRC and that of our children, who were born and now live in the United States. Just as the okapi thrives in its natural home in the DRC, we aim to successfully adapt to our new American home and culture; thus, Okapi America!
Although we build new lives and seek to prosper in the United States, we refuse to forget those we left behind. We are committed to helping our fellow Congolese citizens—both those enduring hardships in refugee camps across Africa and those facing civil unrest, famine, and forced displacement within the DRC.
A story of roots, belonging, and responsibility.
01
Honoring our roots
We recognize the DRC as the okapi’s unique homeland and an enduring part of our identity.
02
Building a new home
We embrace life in the United States while keeping our heritage connected to the next generation.
03
Remembering those in need
We remain committed to Congolese communities affected by displacement, hunger, conflict, and hardship.
Okapi America honors the DRC, our homeland.
Physical TraitsCoat
[Velvety], chocolate-brown body with horizontal cream-and-black stripes on the upper legs and back, providing camouflage in [dapper] sunlight.
Head [and] Face
Long face, [huge,] flexible ears for acute hearing, and short, skin-covered horns called ossicones (present on males).
Tongue
A long, prehensile, purplish-black tongue capable of reaching over a foot [in long], used to pull leaves and groom its own ears and eyes.
Size
Stands about 4.5 to 5.2 feet tall at the shoulder and weighs between 400 and 780 pounds.
Habitat and Behavior
Text to come
Location
Found exclusively in the dense, remote tropical rainforests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
One mission, two connected commitments.
Our work connects opportunity for people building new lives in the United States with practical support for people displaced by conflict in the DRC and surrounding region.
Belonging & integration
Help members understand their new surroundings and build the knowledge and confidence needed to participate fully in American community life.
Long-term opportunity
Support immigrants and newly arrived refugees as they work toward professional success and a more secure future.
Humanitarian care
Help provide essential resources for Congolese people experiencing conflict, displacement, and hardship.
Our roots shape who we are. Our new home shapes what we can do. Our compassion keeps us connected to those who need support.
Become a “Friend of the Congolese People.”
Every generous contribution helps sustain this work.