The movement began on 21 November 1984 when Randall Robinson, executive director of TransAfrica, Mary Frances Berry, Commissioner of the United States Commission on Civil Rights, D.C.
[2] They demanded the release of political prisoners and refused to leave the embassy by staging a sit-in, which led to the arrest of Robinson, Fauntroy and Berry.
[1] As a coalition of unionists and anti-apartheid groups, the organization protested in front of the South African Embassy, leading to 5,000 Americans being arrested.
[4] The FSAM had three major objectives: (1) build awareness among the American general public of apartheid through a strategy of civil disobedience and demonstrations that elicited media coverage, (2) begin a change in the U.S. policy of constructive engagement toward South Africa, and (3) influence other Western countries to follow suit once American policy has changed.
[1] The combined leadership of FSAM, TransAfrica and the Congressional Black Caucus together with the commitment of private citizens around the country led to the passage of the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act.