Secretary Powell backs Rep. Rangel's program to increase black diplomats

Jet, March 11, 2002

With the endorsement of U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell and the leadership of U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY), a national drive has begun to increase the number of Blacks serving in the U.S. diplomat corps.

In 2000, Blacks and Hispanics represented fewer than 5 percent and 3 percent, respectively, of America's foreign service general officers, according to official government statistics.

The first orientation session for those individuals interested in pursuing a foreign service career was held at the City College of New York City, where Secretary Powell is an alumnus.

The recruitment effort will be housed at Howard University under an international affairs program named for Rangel.

Because of Rangels long effort to increase the number of Black diplomats, Congress recently appropriated $1 million for this program. Eventually the program will be extended to other historically Black colleges and institutions of higher learning with large minority populations.

The plan is expected to include aggressive recruitment and tutorial classes to prepare students for both written and oral qualifying examinations, as well as internships and fellowships at the State Department.

Rep. Rangel praised the first Black secretary of state for carrying out his promise to become involved in increasing the number of Black diplomats in the State Department. Said Rangel of Powell's efforts, "I praise the secretary for his willingness to support this program that can actually accomplish the goal we both share."