It is extremely sad to report the passing of Ambassador C. Stephen McGann, President of the Assciation of Black American Ambassadors (ABAA).  He was proud family man, successful consulting firm founder, accomplished Senior Foreign Service Officer and creative contributor to many international affairs organizations after his retirement from State.

Ambassador Rea Brazeal is the 2023 Foreign Service Cup recipient for contributions during her 40-year career.

Ambassador Harry K. Thomas is the recipient of this year’s 2023 State Dept GTM Director General’s Foreign Service Cup for embodying the highest ideals of public service.

Ambassador James A. Joseph passed away on February 17. His memorial service aired at the National Cathedral on April 26, 2023.

When I take a historical look at Black Women in international affairs, I immediately think of outstanding figures such as Patricia Roberts Harris, the first Black female ambassador and others who followed her including Ambassador Mabel M. Smythe, then later in 1990 Ambassador Aurelia E. Brazeal who became the first African American female Foreign Service Officer (FSO) to be appointed ambassador, three times – a singular honor.

Mississippi Adjutant General, General Janson Boyles, and former US Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Pamela Spratlen discuss the role of the US National Guard overseas, focusing on the State Partnership Program between the Mississippi National Guard and Uzbekistan. 

The Thursday Luncheon Group (TLG), launched a year-long celebration of its 50th anniversary, Feb. 2, with a festive luncheon in the Department of State’s famed diplomatic reception room, the Benjamin Franklin State Dining Room.

Now, you embark on a three-nation visit to Africa later this week, including stops in Ghana, Mozambique, and Kenya, in what your office describes as an effort to affirm and strengthen partnerships with key current and former UN Security Council members.

The United States’ Dave Bolen, who finished fourth in a celebrated 400 metres race at the 1948 Olympic Games in London, has died a few days short of his 99th birthday, it has been reported.