The Association of Black American Ambassadors (ABAA) is a non-profit organization representing those who have served as chiefs of mission, having been appointed by the president of the United States and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. As proud foreign policy professionals in diplomacy, development and defense, both career and non-career, we have supported and implemented policies of presidents from both parties. We have contributed to all aspects of promoting and defending U.S. foreign policy on a bipartisan basis across several decades. We believe that America’s foreign policy and image are strengthened by its diversity and believe that the professionals in our foreign policy institutions should reflect who we are as a nation.
We find the broad assault of the Trump Administration on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) to be unconscionable. It represents a deeply misguided reversal of longstanding equal opportunity policy and law, intended to heal wounds of past injustices and address present DEIA issues. Our concerns include the implementation of DEIA executive orders, whose legality is being questioned, as well as the sidelining of staff, stripping of budgets, removal of websites and references to the excellent work and accomplishments of the DEIA professionals, including the State Department’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, its leader and staff.
Equally disturbing are the brazen verbal attacks of senior administration officials on the competence and merit of people of color, and others branded as lacking merit based on their identities, at the State Department and across the foreign affairs community. As dedicated public servants, we served to make our nation stronger, safer and more prosperous, while showcasing globally the best of America and its highest values. Competing to win in today’s foreign policy environment requires more transparent hiring practices for positions at every level, and a more secure and inclusive environment at State for all of its employees. We call on the administration to recognize and act on the principle that expanding diversity adds value and productivity as we work to accomplish our goals.
We are also profoundly disappointed that the State Department senior official now responsible for explaining America, its people and policies to the world has a history of intolerance. This individual has publicly embraced white nationalist organizations and their ideology and asserted that only white men have the capacity to perform at the highest levels. The most senior role for global messaging demands integrity, impartiality, and the ability to interact respectfully with a diverse set of people. Espousing prejudice and ideas of racial superiority as the basis for policy renders him, and anyone with such beliefs, unfit to serve.
To ensure a continued pipeline of outstanding candidates to join the State Department, USAID and other foreign service agencies, we also call on the administration to proceed with the current Fellowship classes. These young people have already exhibited academic excellence and made a commitment to public service. They should be guaranteed the opportunity to join their respective agencies in accordance with the contracts they signed. Their eligibility should be honored fully as a promise made.
Many of our members came of age as senior diplomats when leadership and other opportunities for Black diplomats were limited or did not exist. Progress towards equal employment opportunity came when President Truman named Edward Dudley as the first Black U.S. Ambassador to Liberia. Opportunities slowly expanded thanks to the efforts of early pioneers like Amb. Terence A. Todman, six-time ambassador to presidents of both parties, Amb. Edward J. Perkins, known for his groundbreaking diplomacy when President Reagan sent him to Apartheid South Africa, and other trailblazers, including Ambassador Aurelia Brazeal, the first Black woman ambassador from the career foreign service and Ambassador Ruth A. Davis, the first Black woman career ambassador. We firmly believe that the laws and policies intended to ensure greater diversity are still needed to help our institutions welcome new generations of talented leaders from every corner of the nation and in every demographic group and professional category.
Striving for fairness and justice in society generally, the U.S. government and in foreign affairs agencies is important to ensure that our country remains the beacon of opportunity, equality, and democracy that it is destined to be.
February 2025
contactus@blackamericanambassadors.org
