Call Number:

BC007EA

Repository:

Temple University Libraries: Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection

Extent:

3.17 linear feet (3 boxes)

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

[Description and date of item], [Box/folder number], Philadelphia Educators to Africa Collection, BC007, Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection, Temple University Libraries, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Date:

1971-2012 (inclusive)

Creator:

Philadelphia Educators to Africa

Abstract:

Philadelphia Educators to Africa (ETA) is a common interest organization that was formed after a unique six-week study tour to four West African countries. The School District of Philadelphia, in response to the October 17, 1967 student protest for Black History to be taught in schools, created the Office of African/African-American Studies. Under the leadership of Department Director, William C. Green, the School District, along with the African American Institute headquartered in New York City, co-sponsored "Educators to Africa '70." This was an educational travel program that took one hundred and thirty-one educators from twenty-five states in the United States to Ghana, Nigeria, Togo and Benin for intensive historical, social and cultural studies. The thirty-eight participants from Philadelphia formed the largest single contingent. It was anticipated that upon their return to Philadelphia, these educators would form the nucleus of a team of knowledgeable leaders who would carry out the School District of Philadelphia's mandate that African/African-American history be taught in schools.

Although most days in Africa were filled with university lectures and workshops, the group made numerous field trips to surrounding villages, towns and cities where they interacted harmoniously with local residents. Due to the hospitality the contingent of teachers received while in Africa, an organization was formed to maintain closer relationships with the people of the African continent. Hence, in February 1971, Philadelphia Educators to Africa was established at the home of William C. Green. The stated purpose of the organization was to: Create a closer link with Africans; Educate the general American public about political, cultural and economic affairs in Africa; Organize a cultural exchange with the nations of Africa; Support African nations in their effort to achieve economic and political viability; Offer scholarships and other forms of financial aid to qualified students from Africa in their efforts to secure a university education in the Philadelphia region; Sponsor cultural and educational activities that would create a greater interest, awareness and appreciation of African history and culture; Support the Black liberation movements of African people on the continent and in the Diaspora.

Since 1971, ETA has lived up to its stated purpose by planning and implementing many interesting programs, projects and activities that have stimulated public awareness on African issues, and at the same time have created closer links with Africans on the continent and throughout the world.

The collection consists of papers on the Philadelphia Chapter of Educators to Africa from 1971 to 2012. The papers include history, constitution, correspondence, publications, seminars, flyers, minutes, photographs and CDs. Most of the photographs document ETA trips to African and South American countries – Ghana, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Ethiopia, Brazil and Cuba – as well as other programs organized by ETA. Publications include ETA newsletters and newspaper articles about ETA. Seminars include notes from lectures and speeches. The collection also includes DVD recordings of several ETA events and programs throughout the years.

Collection is arranged alphabetically by type of material.