| Abstract
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This study explores the contributions African Americans have made in formulating United States foreign policy toward Africa, post 1970s. To obtain an in depth analysis, a mixed methodology of an explanatory case study and historiography, infused with qualitative design is employed. This methodological approach permits the researcher to examine the impact nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), like TransAfrica, have on pushing the policy agenda, creating awareness, and reformulating United States foreign policy toward Africa. Prior to 1970, prominent black leaders worked to ensure issues plaguing the continent were not disregarded. Black government officials (BGOs) and prominent black leaders voiced their discontent with the liberation struggle natives encountered on the continent during the civil rights movement in the United States (US). Since the US did not want to be perceived as a racist or inhumane society, intermestic 1 policies were changed. Victorious, leaders continued to work alongside identifiable groups to promote awareness and lobby on behalf of African affairs. Additionally, influential organizations like the Congressional Black Caucus and Africa Institute worked in conjunction with TransAfrica to diminish the injustices and unfair practices that occurred on the continent. However, following the Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) crisis, Anti-Apartheid movement, and Ethiopia famine epidemic, these identifiable groups and prominent leaders slightly drifted from NGOs like TransAfrica. Subsequently, this study addresses (1) the role of NGOs in formulating US foreign policy; (2) whether these institutions are proactive or reactive entities; and (3) whether these institutions are able to positively affect or transcend policy on other nations. 1 Intermestic refers to both domestic and international policies. Originally coined by B. Manning, 1977.
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