Description
Signed photograph of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Colin Powell, with the United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Edward J. Perkins. Two groundbreaking political leaders in African American history.
Color photograph in white matte, measures 10″ x 12″, detached cover with the “Joint Chiefs of Staff” seal in gilt. This photograph appeared in Edward Perkins’ book, Mr. Ambassador: Warrior for Peace (2006), on page 484.
Inscribed in black pen: “To Ed Perkins, With admiration and thanks for your example of selfless service. Best wishes, Colin L. Powell.”
Dr. Edward J. Perkins (1928-2020) served as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, as well as Liberia, South Africa, and Australia throughout his 25-year foreign service career. In 1986 President Ronald Reagan appointed Perkins to serve as ambassador to South Africa in hopes of fending off a congressional override to his veto of economic sanctions against the country. It was a controversial decision amidst apartheid in South Africa, and many Black leaders urged Perkins to not take the role. Perkins accepted the position and served until 1989, one year before Nelson Mandela was released from prison. He was appointed U.N. Ambassador by George H.W. Bush in 1992, serving for one year.
