America 250 in Color: Ambassador Horace G. Dawson, Jr. (January 30, 1926 –)
ABAA sends its heartiest congratulations to our member Ambassador Horace G. Dawson, who is enjoying his 100th year of a very fruitful life! Horace G. Dawson, Jr. is a military veteran, scholar, educator, diplomat, Ambassador, and institution builder whose life and career embody the power of intellect, service, and principled leadership. From the segregated South to the […]
The State Department Must Uphold Its Obligations to Protect Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
As members of the Association of Black American Ambassadors (ABAA), we express our deep concern and strong disagreement with the August 13 statement from the Office of the State Department Spokesperson announcing the elimination of the State Department’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs and describing them as “DEI ideology.” DEI is not an ideology. It is common […]
Wednesday, May 27th from 5pm – 7pm: Inaugural Ambassador Ruth A. Davis Memorial Lecture
Please join us at the George Washington University for a special event to honor the life of Ambassador Ruth A. Davis. School may be out, but this is a great networking opportunity for students, interns, young professionals, alumni of international community institutions, and those aspiring to serve in this field. Registration is required.
ABAA Statement on Zambia Aid
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMay 7, 2026 The Association of Black American Ambassadors (ABAA) are Americans who have watched with alarm and sorrow as our government appears prepared to implement a “humanitarian aid” policy that will shame us in the eyes of history. Reports from The New York Times, Al Jazeera, Deutsche Welle, and a leaked State […]
ABAA Statement on the Life and Legacy of the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson
The Association of Black American Ambassadors (ABAA) joins millions of people in our country and around the world in lifting up the life and legacy of the late Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, who passed away on February 17, 2026. We mourn him as a hero for justice and honor his many trailblazing efforts to improve […]
Black Diplomats Say Trump’s Moves Are Pushing People Out of Public Service
Article Credit: Capital B News Featured Image Information/Credit: U.S. Ambassador Pamela Spratlen poses for a photo during a visit to Samarkand, Uzbekistan, in 2016. (Embassy of the United States in Tashkent/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images) The policy is part of a wider pattern that sends a troubling signal about who is — and is not — valued […]
Linda Thomas-Greenfield is the 2025 recipient of the AFSA Award for Lifetime Contributions to American Diplomacy
Featured Image Credit: AFSA / Joaquin Sosa Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield became the 31st winner of AFSA’s Lifetime Contributions to American Diplomacy Award in an October 1, 2025, ceremony at Georgetown University. She was honored for her deep commitment to the Foreign Service, mentorship, and leadership throughout an eminent diplomatic career, and for her continuing work […]
On Adversity and Grit with Ambassador Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley
We are pleased to share Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley’s discussion with Caitlin Dallaire for The Public Service Project titled, “On Adversity and Grit with Ambassador Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley”. Ambassador Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley reflects on her remarkable public service journey spanning three decades and shares her unfiltered thoughts on some of the most challenging and rewarding moments in her very public diplomatic career. […]
Black U.S. Ambassadors Unfurl the DEIA Banner
The Association of Black American Ambassadors (ABAA) strongly supports diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in domestic and foreign affairs. We therefore oppose the current Administration’s rollbacks of DEIA requirements. The ABAA believes the November State Department Foreign Service promotions approved for employees who initially were not selected because they did not meet DEIA promotion precepts […]
ABAA Congratulates Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield On Receiving the AFSA Award
AFSA Award Acceptance Speech Linda Thomas-Greenfield – October 1, 2025 Amb. Bodine, Dean Hellman, President Dinkelman, Awardees, Guest, Friends and Family,let me start by offering my deepest gratitude to the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) for recognizing me with this prestigious award. And I thank you for your service to the State Department and for […]