On December 21, 1976, Patricia Roberts Harris was appointed as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) by President-elect Jimmy Carter, making her the first African American woman to serve in a U.S. presidential cabinet. ?Wikipedia
Patricia Roberts Harris was a trailblazer dedicated to public service, civil rights, and social justice. Prior to her HUD appointment, she achieved several notable firsts:?
First African American woman U.S. Ambassador: In 1965, Harris was appointed as the U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg. ?HUD
First African American woman to serve as Dean of a U.S. law school: She briefly served as Dean of Howard University School of Law in 1969. ?Instagram
During her tenure at HUD (1977–1979), Harris focused on rehabilitating neighborhoods and implemented programs such as the Neighborhood Strategy Program and Urban Development Action Grants to revitalize urban areas. ?Wikipedia
In 1979, President Carter appointed her as the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW), making her the first African American to hold two different cabinet positions. When the department was reorganized in 1980, she became the first Secretary of the newly formed Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). ?HUD
Harris’s legacy continues to inspire, symbolizing resilience, dedication, and the pursuit of equality in public service.
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