On April 16, 1869, Ebenezer Don Carlos Bassett was appointed as the U.S. Minister Resident (Consul-General) to Haiti, making him the first African American to serve in a diplomatic post for the United States. A respected educator, abolitionist, and advocate for civil rights, Bassett’s groundbreaking role came at a time when Black Americans were still fighting for basic freedoms in the post-Civil War era. His eight-year service included navigating complex political turmoil in Haiti while representing American interests with dignity and strength. Bassett’s appointment was a milestone in U.S. history and a powerful symbol of Black excellence in public service.
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