Finding aid to the Abdullah Abdurahman (1872-1940) family papers (1906-1962)

Collection Summary

Collection Title: Abdullah Abdurahman (1872-1940) Family Papers, (1906-1962)
Call number/identifier: 1
Origination: Abdurahman family
Extent: 7 boxes
Physical location: Melville J. Herskovits Library of African Studies
Languages: All materials are in English unless otherwise noted.
Repository: Melville J. Herskovits Library of African Studies , Evanston, IL, 60208-2300

Abstract: The Abdullah Abdurahman Family Papers contain materials from three members of the family; those of Abdullah Abdurahman (1872-1940), physician and political leader, and his wife, Mrs. Helen Abdurahman (1877?-1953), comprise half of the material and Dr. and Mrs. Abdurahman's daughter, Mrs. Zainunnissa Gool (1897-1963), political leader, the other half. Despite gaps, the Abdullah Abdurahman Family Papers provide an historical view of the Coloured population's struggle for political and economic equality in South Africa.

: Of special importance are the records reflecting Dr. Abdurahman's involvement in the African People's Organization, the Cape Town City Council, and the Cape Provincial Council, and Mrs. Gool's involvement in the National Liberation League, the Non-European United Front, the Passive Resistance Movement and the Cape Town City Council. A few items relating to Mrs. Helen Abdurahman's civic and political activities are in the collection.

Note:

See also separation record for listing of items removed from the collection. All materials are in English unless otherwise noted.