Building and Losing Africa’s Voice in Washington

For more than 50 years, Melvin Foote has been one of the most influential advocates shaping U.S.–Africa policy. From his early Peace Corps service in Ethiopia and Eritrea to founding the Constituency for Africa, Foote helped mobilize support for AGOA, advance anti-apartheid activism, and build crucial bridges between African Americans, African immigrants, and U.S. policymakers.In this conversation with Mvemba Phezo Dizolele, Foote reflects on the evolution of Africa advocacy: its early champions, major milestones, and the decline of the Black-led organizations that once drove the agenda. He explains how funding dried up, why political influence shifted, and what the next generation will need to rebuild a credible, coordinated pro-Africa movement.A candid look at the past, present, and future of Africa advocacy in Washington.