Clifford Alexander Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Clifford Alexander Jr.
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Official portrait, c. 1977
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| 13th United States Secretary of the Army | |
| In office February 13, 1977 – January 20, 1981 |
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| President | Jimmy Carter |
| Preceded by | Martin R. Hoffmann |
| Succeeded by |
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| Chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission | |
| In office August 4, 1967 – May 1, 1969 |
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| President | |
| Preceded by | Stephen N. Shulman |
| Succeeded by | William H. Brown III |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Clifford Leopold Alexander Jr.
September 21, 1933 New York City, U.S. |
| Died | July 3, 2022 (aged 88) New York City, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | |
| Children | Elizabeth Alexander, Mark Alexander |
| Education | |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1958 |
| Unit | New York National Guard • 369th Infantry Regiment |
Clifford Leopold Alexander Jr. (September 21, 1933 – July 3, 2022) was an American lawyer and public servant from New York City. He worked for the government in many important roles.
He first joined the National Security Council during the time John F. Kennedy was president. Later, in 1967, he became the chairman of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Ten years after that, he was chosen to be the Secretary of the Army. He was the first African American to hold this high position. He served in that role until 1981.
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Early Life and Education
Clifford Alexander Jr. was born in Harlem, New York City, on September 21, 1933. His father came to the United States from Jamaica. His mother, Edith, was a community leader who advised several mayors on civil rights.
Clifford went to private schools called Ethical Culture and Fieldston. He then studied government at Harvard College, graduating in 1955. He made history there by becoming the first African American to be elected president of the student council.
After Harvard, he studied law at Yale Law School. He graduated in 1958. After law school, he joined the New York National Guard and served briefly with the 369th Field Artillery Battalion.
A Career in Public Service
Working for the Government
After becoming a lawyer, Alexander worked as an assistant district attorney in Manhattan from 1959 to 1961. He then led projects that helped communities in New York City.
In 1963, he moved to Washington, D.C. to work on the National Security Council. This council advises the President on national security and foreign policy. President John F. Kennedy asked him to be an unofficial adviser on race issues. Kennedy even asked him to observe the historic March on Washington.
Alexander continued to work for President Lyndon B. Johnson from 1964 to 1967. He was a special assistant and counsel on the White House staff. He also helped President Johnson connect with the African American community, especially after the death of Martin Luther King Jr.. In 1968, he represented the U.S. at ceremonies for the independence of the Kingdom of Swaziland.
Leading the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
In 1967, Alexander was appointed chairman of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). This agency works to prevent unfair treatment in workplaces. During his time, he made the EEOC very important in fighting against discrimination. He left the agency in 1969 after President Richard Nixon changed his role from chairman to commissioner.
Work as a Private Lawyer
After leaving the EEOC, Alexander worked as a lawyer for a firm in Washington from 1969 to 1975. He became the first Black partner at that firm. He also hosted a TV talk show called Cliff Alexander: Black on White from 1972 to 1976. In 1974, he ran for mayor of Washington, D.C. but did not win. He also taught law at Howard University School of Law and Georgetown University Law Center.
Serving as Secretary of the Army
Alexander returned to public service in 1977 when President Jimmy Carter appointed him as the Secretary of the Army. He held this important position until 1981. He was the first African American to be appointed to this role.
As Secretary of the Army, he focused on making the all-volunteer Army better. He worked to improve professionalism and made sure that contracts were given to minority-owned businesses. He also worked to remove barriers so that women and racial minorities could be promoted to the rank of general. One person who benefited from his efforts was Colin Powell, who later became a famous general and Secretary of State. Alexander also supported increasing pay for military members and the military budget. He believed the Army was "a quality Army" with dedicated members.
Later Life and Legacy
After his time as Secretary of the Army ended in 1981, Alexander started a consulting firm with his wife. He also served on the boards of several large companies. In 2008, he advised Barack Obama during his presidential campaign.
Alexander strongly disagreed with the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, which prevented openly gay people from serving. He spoke out against it in interviews and signed statements calling for it to be ended.
Family Life
Clifford Alexander married Adele Logan in 1959. She became a history professor. They were married until his death. They had two children: Elizabeth Alexander and Mark C. Alexander. Their daughter, Elizabeth, wrote and read a poem at Barack Obama's first inauguration in 2009. Their son, Mark, was the first African American dean of the Villanova University School of Law.
Clifford Alexander Jr. passed away on July 3, 2022, at his home in Manhattan. He was 88 years old.
See also
