Description
Patricia Roberts Harris was an American lawyer, diplomat, and public servant who became the first African-American woman to hold a cabinet-level position in the United States government. She was born on May 31, 1924, in Mattoon, Illinois, and grew up in a segregated society. Despite facing discrimination and obstacles, Harris was determined to succeed and pursued a career in law and politics.
Harris earned a Bachelor’s degree from Howard University in Washington, D.C. in 1945, and then went on to attend law school at the same institution. She earned her law degree in 1949, and then went on to practice law in private practice before joining the Department of Justice in 1960 as a trial attorney.
Harris served in a number of important positions throughout her career, including as the Director of the U.S. Peace Corps, the Ambassador to Luxembourg, and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. She was a trailblazer for women and African-Americans in government, and her many achievements helped pave the way for future generations of public servants.
In 1987, the United States Postal Service issued a stamp in honor of Patricia Roberts Harris as part of their Black Heritage series. The stamp features a portrait of Harris in the center, with the words “Patricia Roberts Harris” below the portrait. The issuance of the stamp was a fitting tribute to a remarkable woman who devoted her life to public service and breaking down barriers for others.
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