Foreign Relations of the United States, 1917–1972, Volume VIII, Public Diplomacy, 1969-1972

14. Memorandum From the Assistant Director, Africa, United States Information Agency (Reinhardt) to the Director (Shakespeare)¹

Washington, April 4, 1969

SUBJECT

• AFRICA DAY

I should like to propose that the President proclaim an annual AFRICA DAY, in recognition of the special ties of heritage and culture which the U.S. shares with the nations of Africa. The suggested date would be May 25, the day on which the Organization of African Unity was instituted in 1963. This is the only date which has virtual universal common significance for all independent African-governed states, selection of that date would indicate U.S. recognition and respect for the concepts of practical initiative toward progress and spirit of common identity—both of which are embodied in the OAU.

I believe that the proclamation of a U.S. national AFRICA DAY would have important beneficial effects, both immediate and long-range, on the psychological climate which conditions U.S.-African relations. Such a step would constitute formal, prideful acknowledgement of the unique relationship existing between Americans and Africans . . . which the latter share with the people of no other major power. Such a gesture would be particularly useful at this time, where there is a deep-seated suspicion that the U.S. is losing interest in Africa.

Although domestic considerations are not our concern, it is suggested that the act of establishing AFRICA DAY would have considerable symbolic importance as a measurement of the concern and respect felt by the Administration for the heritage and special identity of Black Americans.

It is also to be pointed out that this gesture, with high potential advantages, would cost nothing in terms of tangible resources. Also a precedent exists for such a commemorative day: Pan American Day.²

If this recommendation is adopted and AFRICA DAY is proclaimed, it would be most fitting to celebrate the first one at a Presidential reception for African ambassadors and U.S. Negro leaders on May 25th. That reception could be combined with the reception which African ambassadors propose to give to celebrate the sixth OAU anniversary. (The State Department has informed the White House of this proposal and recommended that the President attend.)

The AFRICA DAY idea is being discussed with the African Bureau of State, which has registered initial enthusiasm for it.³

1. Source: National Archives, RG 306, Director’s Subject Files, 1968–1972, Entry A1–42, Box 7, INF–1 General Policy Plans Coordination. Limited Official Use. Shakespeare sent a copy of the memorandum to Garment under an April 10 covering memorandum, noting that Reinhardt planned to meet with Palmer on April 11 to discuss the proposal. He added, “The attitude of the State Department officers below Palmer is reportedly very enthusiastic.” Shakespeare concluded: “I appreciate your offer to check this out with Finch and hope that it is possible to do so promptly.” (Ibid.)
2. April 14.
3. In an April 15 memorandum to Shakespeare, sent through Loomis, DuBois commented that the Department of State favored the proposal and “has ready a memorandum to the President together with a draft proclamation,” adding that these documents would not be sent forward until Finch commented on the proposal. O’Brien wrote at the top of the memorandum: “HL [Henry Loomis] discussed w/FS several times.” (Ibid.) In an April 17 memorandum to Shakespeare, DuBois indicated that the Department’s Bureau of African Affairs had informed DuBois that “Secretary Finch is opposed to an Africa Day observance. He believes that this might lead to criticism of the Administration on campuses by black militants and cause agitation and unrest.” (Ibid.)