History of African American Diplomats in the U.S. State Department

Who was the first African American appointed as a diplomat by the U.S. State Department?

• Clifton Wharton

• Frederick Douglass

• Joseph Grew

• Ebenezer Bassett

What was the purpose of the Rogers Act of 1924?

• To abolish the Foreign Service exam

• To establish a merit-based system for the diplomatic corps

• To increase the number of diplomats

• To create a new department for foreign affairs

What assumption was made about Clifton Wharton when he passed the written Foreign Service exam?

• He was assumed to be from Boston

• He was assumed to be white

• He was assumed to be Jewish

• He was assumed to be a woman

Which group was NOT mentioned as being quietly excluded from the Foreign Service?

• Hispanic Americans

• African Americans

• Women

• Jewish Americans

What was a common reaction when an African American diplomat was introduced as an ambassador?

• They were ignored

• They were asked about their diplomatic achievements

• People were surprised and asked about their experience in America

• They were congratulated