AM grows social justice resources with publication of American Committee on Africa, module II: Anti-Apartheid Movements and Democracy

Building on themes and materials in module I, this new resource provides unparalleled access to the American Committee on Africa’s (ACOA) organisational records from 1953 to 1994, encompassing the organisation’s final two decades under the leadership of Jennifer Davis from 1981 to 2001. During this period, the ACOA intensified its activism, lobbying, and solidarity efforts, helping to shape international responses to apartheid and advancing the cause of democracy in Africa.

From correspondence, reports, and meeting minutes to newspapers, photographs, posters, and even film footage, module II offers researchers and educators extraordinary insights into the strategies, challenges, and achievements of those working toward freedom and equality.

At the heart of this resource is the Amistad Research Center, and their stewardship of the ACOA archive which has made this collection possible. The publication of module II not only underscores the ACOA’s pivotal role in twentieth-century history but also highlights the value of AM’s long-standing partnership with the archive. Over many years, Amistad has been a key contributor to AM’s collections Race Relations in America and Slavery, Abolition and Social Justice, helping to make rare and vital material accessible to students, teachers, and scholars worldwide.

Together, AM and the Amistad Research Center are ensuring that these essential records are preserved, shared, and used to inspire new generations of research and learning.