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Creator
Republic of New Africa (Organization)
Call number
Sc MG 167
Physical description
0.01 linear feet (1 folder)
Language
English
Preferred Citation
[Item], Republic of New Africa collection, Sc MG 167, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books Division, The New York Public Library
Sponsor
Home to Harlem Project funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
Repository
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books Division
Access to materials
Request an in-person research appointment.

The Republic of New Africa (RNA; also spelled Republic of New Afrika) was an African American separatist group founded in 1968. The Republic of New Africa collection includes a photocopy of the proposal "Anti-Depression Program of the Republic of New Africa to end Poverty, Dependence, Cultural Malnutrition, and Crime among Black People in the United States and Promote Inter-Racial Peace," letters written by Larry L. Edwards, a map, and two flyers.

Biographical/historical information

The Republic of New Africa (RNA; also spelled Republic of New Afrika) was an African American separatist group founded in 1968. Among its demands was that the United States Government should set aside five southern states—Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana and South Carolina—for the establishment of an African-American republic. The first African community was established in 1970 in Jackson, Mississippi. Iman Abubakari Obadele was named president of the republic. In 1971, a 20-acre tract of land in Hinds County, Mississippi, was proclaimed the capital of the nation. A police and Federal Bureau of Investigation raid on the headquarters in 1971 left the group in disarray. It later moved its headquarters to Washington, D.C. In 1984, the national membership was between 5,000 and 10,000 individuals.

Scope and arrangement

The Republic of New Africa collection includes a photocopy of the proposal "Anti-Depression Program of the Republic of New Africa to End Poverty, Dependence, Cultural Malnutrition, and Crime among Black People in the United States and Promote Inter-Racial Peace. Presented for enactment to both Houses of the United States Congress, March 1972." There are also eleven letters (1979-1980) written by Larry L. Edwards, consulate captain of the Brooklyn, New York office of the RNA to the following individuals: the U.S. Secretary of State demanding reparations from the U.S. Government for the RNA; the Consul of the Iran Mission to the United Nations regarding the American hostages in Iran and requesting foreign aid for the RNA from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries; the Consulate of Egypt concerning the Shah of Iran; the Consulate of Israel regarding an Israeli nuclear test in Africa; and the Consulate of South Africa pertaining to the unionization of South African Black workers. A map illustrating the consolidation of Africa as proposed by the RNA and two flyers complete the collection.

Administrative information

Source of acquisition

Edwards, Larry L, 1980Edwards, Mercer Donahue, 03/29/86

Revision History

This finding aid was updated by Allison Hughes. (2022 September 20)

Using the collection

Location

Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books Division
515 Malcolm X Boulevard, New York, NY 10037-1801
Second Floor