Clarence Clyde Ferguson Jr. facts for kids

Clarence Clyde Ferguson Jr. (born November 4, 1924 – died December 21, 1983) was an important American lawyer and diplomat. He taught law and served as the United States Ambassador to Uganda.

After experiencing the challenges of World War II, he worked hard as a diplomat. He wanted to protect and expand basic freedoms for everyone. He believed these freedoms were key to achieving world peace. Ferguson was a main leader in making sure the rules of the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights were followed. He especially focused on fighting against apartheid (a system of racial separation) and all forms of racial, religious, and cultural discrimination. In 1967, he was the main person who wrote the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization's statement about race. He is also known as a "founding father" of affirmative action, which aims to create equal opportunities for groups that have faced discrimination.

A Career in Diplomacy

In 1969, C. Clyde Ferguson Jr. worked as a special US ambassador. He helped coordinate aid for people during the Nigerian civil war. He also helped create an agreement called the "Protocol on Relief to Nigeria Civilian Victims of the Civil War." This agreement helped get important supplies to people who needed them.

He became the ambassador to Uganda in 1970. Later, in 1973, he served as a deputy assistant secretary of state for African affairs. From 1973 to 1975, he was the US representative to the United Nations Economic and Social Council. He played a big part in protecting human rights in Chile. His work influenced how the U.S. responded to human rights issues there.

Teaching and Law

Ferguson was a professor at Rutgers University. He also served as the dean of the Howard University School of Law from 1963 to 1969. In 1976, he joined the faculty at Harvard Law School. He taught there until he passed away.

To honor his work, the C. Clyde Ferguson Annual Lecture is held at Howard University School of Law. Also, the Clyde Ferguson award is given out by the Association of American Law Schools.

He wrote several books, including Materials on Trial Presentations and Racism in American Education. He also contributed to a book called US Ratification of the Human Rights Treaties.

Personal Life

C. Clyde Ferguson Jr. was the son of Clarence Clyde and Georgena (Owens) Ferguson. His father and grandfather were ministers. He married Dolores Zimmerman on February 14, 1954. Dolores was an artist. They had three daughters named Claire, Hope, and Eve.

Education and Military Service

Ferguson earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Arts, from Ohio State University in 1948. He then received his Bachelor of Law degree from Harvard University in 1951. He was later awarded Doctor of Law degrees from Rutgers University in 1966 and Williams College in 1976.

Before his career in law and diplomacy, he served in the US Army from 1943 to 1946. He took part in the Battle of Normandy and other fighting in Europe during World War II. He received a Bronze Star Medal for his service. After the war, he worked with the legal defense team of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. He also served as president of the American Society of International Law from 1978 to 1980.