The second half of the 20th century was a tumultous time for the Southern African region. The instability was mostly due to racial segregation and the marginalization of ethnic groups. It was a time of military coups and political assassinations. Outside of this region, many political and religious groups formed to voice their opinions on the issues. This collection is one woman's ideas, materials, and writings regarding the policies by and towards Southern Africa.

Gretchen Eick was Policy Advocate on Military and Foreign Policy at the United Church of Christ Office of Church in Society in Washington, D.C. from October 1977 to October 1987. Before joining the staff of the Office of the Church in Society, she worked at the Washington Office on Africa, sponsored by a number of notional denominational agencies. Eick also participated in the Southern Africa Task Force of the Potomac Association of the United Church of Christ, a voluntary group of member of churches in the metropolitan region of Washington, D.C.