Barbara M. Watson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Barbara M. Watson
Barbara M. Watson, receiving an award, from a 1975 publication of the U.S. State Department.
Born	November 5, 1918 New York City
Died	February 18, 1983 Washington, D.C.
Nationality	American
Alma mater	Barnard College
Occupation	Lawyer, diplomat
Known for	First female and first Black Assistant Secretary of State
Parent(s)	James S. Watson, Violet Lopez Watson
Relatives	James Lopez Watson (brother) J. Bruce Llewellyn (cousin) Colin Powell (cousin)

Barbara Mae Watson (born November 5, 1918 – died February 18, 1983) was an amazing American lawyer and diplomat. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in talks with other countries.

Barbara Watson made history in the United States government. She was the first Black person and the first woman to become an Assistant Secretary of State. This is a very important job in the U.S. State Department. She also served as the U.S. Ambassador to Malaysia.

Early Life and Education

Barbara Mae Watson was born in New York City. She was the oldest child of James S. Watson and Violet Lopez Watson. Her parents were originally from Jamaica.

Her father, James S. Watson, was the first Black judge ever elected in New York State. Her mother, Violet Lopez Watson, helped start the National Council of Negro Women. Barbara also had a brother, James Lopez Watson, who became a judge. She was also a cousin of the famous general and Secretary of State, Colin Powell.

Barbara Watson went to Barnard College and finished her degree in 1939. While there, she was the first Black woman to take part in the school's Greek Games. Later, she studied law at New York Law School. She earned her law degree in 1962 and graduated as one of the top students in her class.

Career Highlights

Starting Her Career

After college, Barbara Watson worked for the United Seamen's Service from 1943 to 1946. In 1946, she helped start one of the first licensed Black modeling agencies, called Brandford Models. She even taught etiquette and charm classes at the agency's school.

By 1954, she was running the agency, which she renamed Barbara Watson Models. She closed the agency in 1956. From 1958 to 1959, she worked at Hampton Institute. After becoming a lawyer, she worked for the New York City Law Department in 1963. Then, she worked for the New York City Commission to the United Nations until 1966.

Working for the U.S. State Department

In 1966, Barbara Watson joined the United States Department of State. This department handles America's relationships with other countries. She quickly moved up in her career.

In 1968, President Lyndon Johnson chose her to be the Assistant Secretary of State for Security and Consular Affairs. This job meant she was in charge of things like passports and visas. She held this important role from 1968 to 1974. She was the first Black person and the first woman to ever hold this position.

In 1974, she received an award for her excellent work in management. She also led an international meeting about consular affairs in Mexico City.

A Brief Break

In 1974, the government tried to replace Barbara Watson. She left her job at the State Department in November 1974. After that, she worked as a legal consultant and gave speeches at colleges.

Return to Public Service

In 1977, President Jimmy Carter asked Barbara Watson to come back to the State Department. She returned as Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs. She served in this role again from 1977 to 1980.

Later, President Carter appointed her as the United States Ambassador to Malaysia. She started this new role in September 1980. She served as Ambassador until March 1981. After leaving government, she worked as a private lawyer, focusing on international law.

Awards and Legacy

Barbara Watson received special honorary doctorates from two universities. She was also a member of several important legal groups. Besides her management award, she received 17 other awards from different organizations. She was even honored by the country of Ivory Coast.

She served on the boards of many important organizations, including Fordham University and Barnard College. She also helped with the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts.

Barbara Mae Watson passed away on February 18, 1983, at the age of 64. Her important papers and photos are kept at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in New York. In 1994, an award for excellent consular officers was renamed the Barbara M. Watson Award for Consular Excellence, in her memory. This shows how much she is still remembered and respected.