ACAS History
The Association of Concerned Africa Scholars (ACAS) was an organization of scholars and students of Africa dedicated to formulating alternative scholarly analysis of U.S. government policy, mobilizing support in the United States on critical current issues related to Africa, developing communication and action networks among scholars in the United States and Africa, and collaborating with other organizations that share our concerns. ACAS is a coordinate organization of the African Studies Association.
ACAS was founded in 1977 by scholars who sought to organize scholarly analysis and action to work toward “moving U.S. policy toward Africa in directions more sympathetic to African interests.” [Statement from the first ACAS newsletter.]
The chairpersons of ACAS have been: Immanuel Wallerstein and Willard Johnson (1977-1991), David Wiley and Jean Sindab (1991-1993), William G. Martin and Merle Bowen (1993-2001), Meredeth Turschen and Michael West (2001-2006), Sean Jacobs and Kris Peterson (2006-2009), Carol Thompson (2009-2011), and Eve Sandberg and Noah Zerbe (2011-2016?). However, it appears that ACAS was disbanded by its members in 2012.