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Patricia Roberts HarrisAmerican politician
Date of Birth: 31.05.1924
Country:  USA |
Content:
Biography of Patricia Roberts Harris
Patricia Roberts Harris was an American politician and government official who served as the United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the United States Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. She was the first African-American woman to serve as a U.S. ambassador, representing the United States in Luxembourg during the time of President Lyndon B. Johnson.
Early Life and Education
Patricia Roberts was born in Mattoon, Illinois. In 1945, she graduated with honors from Howard University, where she participated in sit-in protests. While at university, Patricia met William Beasley Harris, whom she married in 1955. She continued her education at the University of Chicago and American University.
Career
Before 1953, Harris held the position of Assistant Director at the American Council on Human Rights. In 1960, she earned a law degree from the George Washington University National Law Center. Harris worked briefly in the Department of Justice before returning to Howard University in 1961 as the Associate Dean for Student Affairs. She also taught law courses during this time.
In 1960, Harris began her government career at the Department of Justice, where she became friends with Robert Kennedy. In 1963, she was appointed as one of the co-chairs of the National Women's Committee for Civil Rights by President John F. Kennedy. In 1964, Harris became a delegate from the District of Columbia at the Democratic National Convention. She actively participated in Lyndon Johnson's presidential campaign.
After Johnson's victory, Harris was appointed as the U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg from 1965 to 1967. She remained involved in Democratic Party affairs for a considerable amount of time and became the Chair of the Party's Credentials Committee in 1972. Harris' skills as an organizer and manager caught the attention of Jimmy Carter, who appointed her as both the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare during his presidency.
On May 4, 1980, the educational functions of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare were transferred to the newly formed Department of Education. Harris continued to hold the position of Secretary of the renamed department until Carter left office. She chose not to seek reappointment, as she was not fully satisfied with the division that occurred.
In 1982, Harris ran for mayor of Washington, D.C., but lost in the primary party elections. Later that year, she became a professor at the George Washington University National Law Center, her alma mater. Harris held this professorship until her death.
