IL HR0211

Acknowledges and condemns historical injustices related to the Benin Bronzes, a collection of metal plaques, sculptures, and objects created by Edo artists from the 12th to 19th centuries, with the Field Museum in Chicago holding 393 pieces—the third largest collection worldwide

Calls for "slave trade Benin Bronzes" (16th-19th century pieces made from metal manilla currency exchanged for enslaved captives) to be shared between descendants of enslaved Africans and heirs of the Benin Kingdom, rather than repatriated solely to Nigeria

Urges establishment of a Repatriation Committee comprising representatives from the Restitution Study Group, descendants of enslaved captives, Benin Kingdom heirs, academia, and international experts to facilitate negotiations and ensure equitable sharing

Recommends collecting resale royalties from private sales of Benin Bronzes worldwide, with proceeds paid into a trust shared by both groups of heirs for relic management and preservation

Directs copies be sent to the Congressional Black Caucus, National Black Caucus of State Legislators, Illinois African American Family Commission, and American Alliance of Museums