Washington Office on Africa

See the finding aid for Record Group 105.

From the guide to the Records of the Washington Office on Africa, Addendum B, 1773-1999, (Yale University Divinity School Library)

From the guide to the Records of the Washington Office on Africa, Addendum A, 1966-1999, (Yale University Divinity School Library)

The Washington Office on Africa was founded in 1972 to support the movement for freedom from white-minority rule in southern Africa. Its activities have included the monitoring of Congressional legislation and executive policies and actions, as well as the publication of action alerts and other documentation designed to advance progressive legislation and policy on southern Africa. Supported by church bodies and unions, the WOA has worked in partnership with colleagues in Africa, the Africa advocacy community in the United States, and grassroots organizations concerned with various aspects of African affairs.

From the description of Washington Office on Africa records, Addendum B 1970-1996 (inclusive). (Yale University). WorldCat record id: 702165512

The Washington Office on Africa was founded in 1972 as a non-profit, church and labor union-supported organization to work with Congress on southern Africa legislation. Its activities have included the monitoring of legislation and executive policies and actions, as well as the publication of action alerts and other documentation designed to to advance progressive legislation and policy on southern Africa. Issues of interest to the Washington Office on Africa have included sanctions against South Africa, U.S. covert intervention in Angola, U.S. policy toward conflict in Namibia, etc.

From the description of Washington Office on Africa records, Addendum A 1966-1996 (inclusive). (Yale University). WorldCat record id: 702165012

From the description of Washington Office on Africa records 1966-1991 (inclusive). (Yale University). WorldCat record id: 702164252

The Washington Office on Africa was founded in September 1972 as a non-profit, church and labor union-supported organization to work with Congress on southern Africa legislation. WOA began by mobilizing around the issue of repealing the Byrd Amendment passed in 1971, which allowed the United States to break sanctions that had been imposed on Rhodesia. Issues that were the focus of WOA activities included:

WOA was established at the direct initiative of American churches, who felt the necessity for a Washington-based organization able to provide the religious community with up-to-date infomration on U. S. policy in Southern Africa. Through the years, the office broadened its constituency to include trade unions, student groups, and other grassroots organizations. Sponsors of the Washington Office on Africa included: African Methodist Episcopal Church, Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers Union, The American Committee on Africa, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Church of the Brethren, Episcopal Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Missionaries of Africa, Presbyterian Church (USA), Progressive National Baptist Convention, The Reformed Church of America, Sacred Heart Fathers, Society for African Missions, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, United church of Christ, United Methodist Church, United Steelworkers of America.

The Washington Office on Africa Educational Fund (WOAEF) was established as the educational division of the Washington Office on Africa. Its goals were to provide education for action on southern Africa issues through the production and distribution of written and audio-visual resources. WOAEF also served as a research center for educators, legislators, political activists, students, and others interested in southern Africa affairs.

Executive Directors of the WOA included Ted Lockwood (1972-1980), Jean Sindab (1980-1986), Damu Smith (1986-1988), and Aubrey McCutcheon (1988-199?). The WOA weathered a financial crisis in 1988.

The Washington Office on Africa continues in operation. Its web site can be found at http://www.woaafrica.org/.

From the guide to the Records of the Washington Office on Africa, 1966-1994, (Yale University Divinity School Library)