Climate change is an existential threat with the potential to have catastrophic effects on the habitability of the planet. Continued inaction in addressing the factors driving climate change, such as greenhouse gas emissions, risks triggering tipping points that will irreversibly changes in the planet’s climate.

Reports of a possible South African arms transfer to Russia, coming on the heels of a joint South Africa-China-Russia naval exercise and South Africa’s increasingly ambivalent stance on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, threaten to damage the US-South Africa relationship.

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.