Born in Louvain, Belgium on August 4th, 1927, Jean-Pierre Hallet had journey is nothing short of extraordinary. As the son of renowned André (renowned “Painter of the Congo 1890-1959) and Berthe (Rosseels), he was destined for greatness.

From a young age, Hallet’s sense of duty led him to serve in the Resistance Movement and later in the Belgian Army. His bravery during World War II earned him multiple decorations, including the prestigious Palmes 1940-45 and the Volunteer’s Medal with Golden Palms.

Hallet’s thirst for knowledge took him to the University of Brussels and the Sorbonne, where he honed his skills as a sociologist and agronomist. However, it was his time in the former Belgian Congo that truly shaped him. Living and working with 650,000 natives from 17 different tribes, he immersed himself in their dialects and customs. This deep understanding of the local cultures set the stage for his groundbreaking work.

In 1957, Hallet achieved an “Ethnological Revolution” that garnered international acclaim. With a single-minded dedication, he fought for the emancipation of the endangered Efé Pygmies of the Ituri Forest in Zaire. His efforts not only saved lives but also brought forth a Declaration of Emancipation. Hallet’s unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes was recognized by King Baudouin I of Belgium, who bestowed upon him the coveted Gold Medal of the Royal Order of the Lion.

Emigrating to the United States in 1960, Hallet continued to make a difference through his writing, lectures, and television appearances. Some of his collection of African Art, one of the largest in the world, found a home at the University of California. Hallet’s expertise as an Africanist led to him being appointed as a special curator and consultant

Throughout his life, Hallet never wavered in his dedication to preserving the lives and culture of the Pygmies. In 1974, he founded THE PYGMY FUND, a nonprofit organization that continues his mission to this day.

Jean-Pierre authored and book about the experience called Pygmy Kitabu

Beyond his humanitarian work, Hallet made significant contributions in the field of agriculture. He pioneered the introduction of the high-protein Winged Bean, with the potential to combat hunger on a large scale.

Jean-Pierre Hallet’s lifelong commitment to humanity did not go unnoticed. He received countless awards, commendations, and honorary citizenship from states and cities around the world. He was even recorded on the Biographical Roll of Honor by the Historical Preservations of America.

Truly, Jean-Pierre Hallet’s legacy is one of selflessness, courage, and unwavering dedication to making the world a better place.