Operation Crossroads Africa records

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: 281

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Operation Crossroads Africa (OCA) records measure 34.4 linear feet and contain approximately 22 linear feet of correspondence. Most of this correspondence is dated between 1968 and 1975. Other record types in the accession are financial accounts, biographical profiles, reports, photographs, brochures, pamphlets, programs, newspaper articles, agenda and minutes, handbooks, and other printed items. The correspondence includes political items to and from American and foreign, particularly African, political leaders, diplomatic personnel, American and foreign participants in the programs of OCA, and business firms which traded with OCA.

The Operation Crossroads Africa records will be useful for researchers who are interested in studying the relationship between private organizations and cultural exchange programs, particularly as they relate to Africa. Of special note are the grantee profiles and grantee reports which provide insight into the character, expectations, and assumptions of many individuals who held positions of leadership and influence in various African countries. Additional information can be found in the personal papers of James Herman Robinson, founder of Operation Crossroads Africa, which are also housed at the Amistad Research Center.

Dates

Created: 1958-1979
Other: Date acquired: 01/01/1979

Creator

Operation Crossroads Africa (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Any copy rights such as the donor may possess in this property are hereby dedicated to the public. It is the responsibility of an author to secure permission for publication from the holder of the copyright to any material contained in this collection.

Extent

34.40 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Arrangement Note

The collection arrived in some discernible order, and to adhere to provenance, the collection was arranged as much as possible in series within the parameters of that order. Correspondence was placed first in each series, in chronological and sub-arranged in alphabetical order, and this was followed by the non-correspondence items, which were placed in alphabetical order, except for the collected items, which were placed at the end of the series.

Source of Acquisition

Operation Crossroads Africa

Method of Acquisition

Gift

Appraisal Information

Correspondence and program files which document the founding of OCA as well as the Overseas Youth Program and other activities.

Accruals and Additions

Multiple addenda have come into the Center after the first two donations were processed in 1983. Operation Crossroads Africa remains an active organization.