Okra Abbey Staff

Benji Brubaker

Director
 

Since moving to Louisiana in 2005, Benji has called New Orleans home. Benji earned their bachelor’s degree in Philosophy & Africana Studies from Tulane University and later completed their Master of Liberal Arts at Tulane. Benji has worked in a variety of roles since arriving in New Orleans, from founding Hip-Hop for Hope (an annual benefit concern post-Katrina) to working with AmeriCorps VISTA, the NFL YET Boys & Girls Club, the Posse Foundation, the Tulane Center for Public Service, the Peoples’ Institute for Survival and Beyond, The Center for Restorative Approaches, Deep Down Roots/ Raíces Profundas and various other projects building towards collective liberation. Benji is a poet, artist, circle keeper, facilitator, gardener, herbalist and lifelong learner. Benji is inspired by people, plants and future possibilities beyond the limits placed on our collective political & spiritual imagination. As Director, Benji works to foster connection and compassion, accountability and support, resources and collaborations, ensuring the garden remains a place where neighbors gather, grow, and thrive together.