This Committee was incorporated as a non-profit organisation under the laws of New York State in September 1953, and began to appoint some full-time staff two years later. It was founded by a small group of individuals who felt the need for an American organisation which could give expression to the liberal American tradition in support of the African peoples struggling for freedom, equality, and independence. At the same time the Committee aimed to interpret the meaning of African events to the American people, and to introduce African leaders to the public.