Africa Today Records

Collection

Identifier: M021

Staff Only

Abstract

Africa Today is a quarterly journal of contemporary African affairs featuring scholarly essays and book reviews covering topics such as African politics, culture, economics and anthropology. The journal was first published bimonthly in 1954 as the bulletin for the American Committee on Africa (ACOA). The publication changed to a quarterly publication in 1959. In 1966, publication was transferred to the Graduate School of International Studies (GSIS) at the University of Denver, Denver, Colorado under the direction of Professor George W. Shepherd, Jr. Publication was suspended from July-Dec. 1966. In 1967 the journal was published by Africa Today Associates in cooperation with the University of Denver Graduate School of International Studies. From 1969-1977, the journal was published in association with the Center on International Race Relations at the University of Denver. Edward A. Hawley was executive editor from 1972-1991. Africa Today was published in association with the University of Denver Graduate School of International Studies until 1995. In 1996 Africa Today was published for Africa Today Associates by Lynne Rienner Publishers, Boulder, Colorado. Publication was moved to the University of Indiana Press, Bloomington, Indiana in 1999.

The records include correspondence, journal issues, minutes, receipts, invoices, book reviews, an award medal, tax records, incorporation documents, advertising copy and copyright forms centering around the journal, Africa Today, from its inception until its editorial headquarters moved from the University of Denver in 1995.

Dates

1954-1998

Creator

Africa Today Associates (Organization)

Biographical / Historical

George W. Shepherd, Jr. was an officer of ACOA and an editor of Africa Today from 1957 to 1961, and from 1967 to 1997. He taught at the Graduate School of International Studies at the University of Denver from 1961 until his retirement in 1992. Publication of Africa Today was suspended from July-December 1966. Beginning in 1967, Africa Today was published by Africa Today Associates, a non-profit corporation, in association with GSIS. The journal continued to contain book reviews and scholarly essays covering such diverse topics as African politics, culture, economics and anthropology. Shepherd was instrumental in forming Africa Today Associates for the purpose of publishing Africa Today. From 1969 to 1977, the journal was published in association with the Center on International Race Relations at GSIS. Shepherd founded the Center and was its Director until its closing in 1977.

Africa Today continued to be published in association with GSIS until the end of 1995. From 1972 until 1991, Edward A. Hawley served as executive editor. Beginning in 1996, Africa Today was published for Africa Today Associates by Lynne Rienner Publishers, Inc. in Boulder, Colorado. Publication was moved to the University of Indiana Press at the end of 1998. Although they were no longer editors, Shepherd and Hawley continued as members of Africa Today Associates.

Extent

9 Linear Feet (9 record boxes)

Additional Description

Scope and Contents

Arrangement

The records are arranged in three series:; 1. Correspondence, 1985-1994.; 2. Journal Issues, 1954-1998.; 3. Miscellaneous Office Materials, 1971-1996.;