American Committee on Africa records, 1948-1987 | Amistad Research Center

The records of the American Committee on Africa (ACOA) measure approximately 146 linear feet and document the foundation and development of a U.S.-based organization dedicated to support of anti-apartheid and anti-colonial movements throughout Africa during the mid to late 20th century. The records date from 1948-1987, and include administrative records, program records and materials collected by the committee from various institutions and organizations throughout the world involved and interested in Africa. The records document the founding of Americans for South African Resistance (AFSAR), the organization that was the predecessor of ACOA, and the subsequent administrated activities and policies of ACOA itself.

The collection is arranged in five series. The first consists of administrative records, including interoffice memoranda, minutes, reports, financial records, personnel and legal records, photographs, lists, and various notes and worksheets by staff. Series 2-4 consist of documents related to ACOA program and activities in the United States and Canada (Series 2), in various African countries (Series 3), and throughout the rest of the world (Series 4). These three series include correspondence, program records, and collected materials related to liberation movements and political change across Africa as states became independent.

Correspondence in the collection consists of extensive letters between ACOA members, particularly Executive Director George M. Houser, with various leaders worldwide, especially those in various African countries and in the United States. The program activities records make up about one quarter of the collection and document the various activities of the ACOA from its inception as a committee. These records include those created by the ACOA’s Speaker’s Bureau, Africa Fund, Request for Aid Program, United States Political action, and lobbying efforts, fund raising activities, and other items. The collected printed items are estimated to be about one-half of the total collection and reflect the diversity of the many institutions, organization and countries interested in the development of Africa. Collected items include newsletters and other serials, press releases and clippings, brochures, texts of resolutions, and speeches, writings, photographs, conference literature, lists, sound recordings and motion picture film.