Written by: Trinitee Stokes, Intern with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
In honor of Black History month, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs continues to highlight and pay homage to the Black Americans who have contributed to the world of public diplomacy. Featured individuals include, but are not limited to, diplomats, teachers, artists, and scientists. This week we are highlighting diplomats who have impacted the world of public diplomacy.
Dr. Ralph Johnson Bunche
Dr. Ralph Johnson Bunche was a Nobel Peace Prize-winning academic and former Undersecretary General of the United Nations. Bunche was a key contributor to peacekeeping efforts through involvement in both the United Nations and other civil rights organizations. Bunche’s other work includes assisting in the establishment of the National Negro Congress, which brought together African American leaders to push for labor and civil rights. Most notably, Dr. Ralph Johnson Bunche was the first awarded African American to win the Nobel Peace Prize for his successful mediation of the Armistice Agreements between Arab nations and Israel. The historic nature of this Nobel Peace Prize continues, as this is the first and only time in the long history of the Middle East conflict that peace agreements were signed by all of the nations involved. President John F. Kennedy awarded Bunche the Medal of Freedom, the U.S. government’s highest civilian award, to further cement Bunche’s value to the United States. Bunche’s service continued, as he became the United Nations Undersecretary General for Special Political Affairs which positioned him as the highest-ranking American at the United Nations at the time. The legacy of Dr. Ralph Johnson Bunche continues to be well respected and celebrated, which is why we honor his brilliant and diligent work today.
Carl T. Rowan
Carl T. Rowan, a regarded American journalist, rose to fame as a reporter for “The Minneapolis Tribune.” His series “How Far From Slavery?” was popular, spreading across the country. Rowan also successfully wrote many articles about international affairs, with caught the attention of President John F. Kennedy, propelling him into multiple political appointments. Rowan became the highest-ranking Black American in the State Department in 1961. His daily duties consisted of communicating President Kennedy’s policies on foreign affairs and explaining why those policies were in the interests of the American people. Rowan’s expert storytelling made him an exceptional candidate for the State Department’s Leader-Grantee program. Through the program, he lectured crowds all over India about issues of the day. Cark T Rowan’s successful career continued, as he served as Ambassador to Finland and Director of the U.S. Information Agency. An expert communicator, Rowan set the precedent on how communicating well can pave the way for public diplomacy efforts and an influential diplomatic career. In the field of diplomacy, he will always be known for his pioneering advancements, his powerful words, and his commitment to service. To learn more about his legacy, please visit https://diplomacy.state.gov/stories/carl-t-rowan-from-journalist-to-diplomat/
Dr. Condoleezza Rice
Dr. Condoleezza Rice, former Secretary of State, paved the way for American diplomacy abroad, and she was the second woman and first Black woman to serve as the Secretary of State. As Secretary of State, Rice supported the expansion of democratic governments, and championed the idea of "Transformational Diplomacy," which sought to redistribute U.S. diplomats to areas of severe social and political trouble, address such issues as disease, drug smuggling and human trafficking, and reemphasize aid through the creation of the position of Director of Foreign Assistance. As a leader, Dr. Rice works tirelessly to educate the public on international relations. Today, you can find Rice at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, as a Denning Professor in Global Business and Economy. Thank you, Dr. Rice, for your decades of service and excellent leadership.
Ambassador John Reinhardt
Ambassador John Reinhardt was a U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria and former Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs. We continue to honor Ambassador Reinhardt his contributions to public diplomacy as part of our celebration of Black History Month. Ambassador Reinhardt joined the U.S. Information Agency and became a Foreign Service Officer in 1956. As a cultural officer, Reinhardt was stationed in Japan, Iran, and the Philippines. Fueled by great excitement and vigor, he quickly rose through the ranks and was nominated to serve as the first Black Ambassador to Nigeria in 1971. He was selected by President Jimmy Carter to lead the U.S. Information Agency in 1977, marking the first time a career diplomat had ever achieved such a position. We remember the great life of Ambassador Reinhardt and cherish his legacy.
Ambassador Sylvia Stansfield
Ambassador Sylvia Stansfield was a career member of the U.S. Foreign Service. Ambassador Stansfield also became the first African-American woman to be the ambassador to Brunei, while serving from 1999-2002. Ambassador Stansfield, as a political track Chinese language officer, held various positions centered around easing relations between the U.S. and China, including postings with the U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong, the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, and the American Institute in Taiwan and Taipei. By volunteering and mentoring others before her retirement, Ambassador Stansfield has continued to pave the way for other African American leaders in foreign service. We thank Ambassador Sylvia Stansfield for leaving a great legacy of commitment, dedication, and strong leadership.
