Ambassador Ruth A. Davis Calls for New Age Diplomat

     There should be larger numbers of African Americans and other minorities in the Foreign Service of the United States. This view was expressed by Ambassador Ruth A. Davis in a lecture on January 21, 1998, at the Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center titled "Diplomacy for the 21st Century". The Service, she said, should be more representative of U.S. society.
     Her message to the large audience of students was that opportunities now exist within the Service for "bright young people like yourself" and encouraged them to aspire to careers in diplomatic service. Citing her own career as an example that "it can happen," Ambassador Davis said individuals should prepare themselves academically and accept the challenge. She served as U.S. Ambassador to Benin following a tour as Consul General in Barcelona. Ambassador Davis speaks French, Spanish, and Italian. She is now Director (President) of the Foreign Service Institute.
     "The new millennium diplomat must have vision, must have leadership skills and the ability to look beyond day-to-day problems, must be able to engage in strategic thinking, and he or she must be well versed on such issues as economics and the environment, in addition to politics," she said.

Sasakawa Fellows Conduct Research at Bunche Center

     Howard University’s Sasakawa Fellows are housed in the Ralph J. Bunche Center in connection with their research and writing.
     Up to five Howard University students at any given time are funded under a $1 million grant to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences as they pursue studies related to international affairs. The Japanese Foundation underwriting these grants pays for travel abroad as well as tuition and maintenance.
     The students--three in 1998-99--include Learie B. Luke, History; Elias Magembe, African Studies; and Carlos Moreno, Human Communications Studies.
     Three Sasakawa Fellows were awarded doctorate degrees in recent commencent exercises. They were Donna Allison Allen, Human Communications Studies; Barbara Patricia Josiah, History; and Takemoto Naoko, African Studies.
     Current Sasakawa Fellow candidates, who are working toward doctorate degrees include Janice McCain, African Studies; Madi Touray, African Studies; Robert T. Vinson, History.
     With a well equipped library and other research accommodations, the Bunche Center provides space for and assistance to the Sasakawa Fellows as they pursue their degree studies.

Bunche Center Set Busy Summer Schedule

     The vacation period was no interval of rest for the Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center, which had a full platter of activities beginning soon after graduation and continuing through the summer. In accordance with President Swygert's emphasis on "leadership for America and the global community" as outlined in the strategic action plan, the various programs supported campus initiatives as well as community outreach activities.
     According to Bunche Center director, Ambassador Horace G. Dawson Jr., "We maintain a continuing outlook on international affairs, working with faculty members, students, student organizations, and with community leaders." Programs ranged from a four day conference on women in May through a day-long gathering with the Association of Nigerians Abroad in July.
    A partial listing includes the following:

  Serving as co-hosts, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and The Center sponsored at Howard, May 18-23, the 7th Annual Womenís Conference under the auspices of the National Association for Equal Opportunity
  On May 28, the Bunche Center sponsored a lecture on "The Reception of African American Literature in Europe" by Professor Josef Jarab, a Hungarian who specializes in and lectures on African American literature at the Central European University in Budapest. A reception followed the lecture.
  The Bunche Center hosted between June 6 and July 31 the first class of Ronald Brown Fellows selected in nationwide competition for a training program in commercial diplomacy.
On June 12, delegates attending the world-wide Youth for Understanding Conference in Washington, DC, met on campus under Center auspices.
  The Bunche Center held a reception on June 15 for a group of Washington, DC, secondary students going abroad under the auspices of the 7th World Affairs Council.
  The Bunche Center sponsored an enrichment program in international affairs June 22 through July 3 for 30 selected students from the DC public school system.
  National finals of the Barbara Jordan Youth Debates was held at (and telecast from) the Bunche Center on July 3, sponsored by the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation in cooperation with the National Forensic League.
  On July 10, the second international conference on Nigeria, sponsored by the Association of Nigerians Abroad, was held at the Bunche Center.

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