Administration "front files", 1953-2001

There are three main functional groups of files within the administrative records of ACOA, called "front files" by ACOA staff. These records consist of documentation for general administrative action, churches, and organizations. The strengths of the records include planning and reporting for ACOA's many "campaigns" to assist liberation movements in southern Africa; networking with churches and organizations within the United States and Africa as part of the anti-apartheid movement of the later 20th century; and ACOA's testimony to the United Nations and other legislative bodies regarding conditions for the majority the oppressed population in South Africa, as well as South Africa's aggression toward the front line states of Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, and Rhodesia (Zimbabwe).

Main topics includes: Anti-apartheid and sanctions legislation, demonstrations and protests in the United States and southern Africa; human rights in Namibia and South Africa; liberation movements in southern Africa; arms embargoes, cultural and sporting boycotts, and fair elections in South Africa; Economic sanctions and the oil trade in South Africa; United States polices toward South Africa; and detention, treatment, and release of African political prisoners.