Clifton Reginald Wharton Sr. facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Clifton Reginald Wharton Sr.
6th United States Ambassador to Norway
In office March 2, 1961 – September 4, 1964
President	John F. Kennedy Lyndon B. Johnson
Preceded by	Frances E. Willis
Succeeded by	Margaret Joy Tibbetts
22nd United States Minister to Romania
In office March 7, 1958 – October 21, 1960
President	Dwight D. Eisenhower
Preceded by	Robert H. Thayer
Succeeded by	William A. Crawford
Personal details
Born	Clifton Reginald Wharton (1899-05-11)May 11, 1899 Baltimore, Maryland
Died	April 25, 1990(1990-04-25) (aged 90) Phoenix, Arizona
Nationality	American
Alma mater	Boston University School of Law (LL.M.)

Clifton Reginald Wharton Sr. (born May 11, 1899 – died April 25, 1990) was an important American diplomat. He made history as the first African American diplomat to become an ambassador by working his way up through the ranks of the Foreign Service. This means he wasn't just appointed politically. He also became the first black Foreign Service Officer to lead a diplomatic mission.

A Life of Service

Clifton R. Wharton Sr. was born in Baltimore, Maryland. He studied law at Boston University School of Law, earning his first law degree in 1920. He then earned an advanced law degree in 1923.

Starting His Diplomatic Career

After practicing law for a short time in Boston, Wharton joined the U.S. State Department. This is the part of the government that handles foreign relations. He became a law clerk in the Career United States Foreign Service. The Foreign Service is a group of people who represent the United States in other countries.

Wharton's career took him all over the world:

• He served as Vice Consul in Monrovia (1927–1929). A Vice Consul helps U.S. citizens abroad and promotes trade.
• He was Consul in Las Palmas (1932–1938). A Consul handles similar duties but often with more responsibility.
• He became Minister to Romania (1958–1961). A Minister leads a diplomatic mission, which is like a smaller embassy.
• Finally, he served as Ambassador to Norway (1961–1964). An Ambassador is the highest-ranking diplomat representing their country in another.

Clifton R. Wharton Sr. being sworn in as Ambassador to Romania in February 1958.

Honored for His Work

Wharton was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. This is one of the oldest and most respected African American fraternities.

In 1978, the State Department held a special day to honor him. They also honored Lucile Atcherson Curtis, who was the first woman in what became the U.S. Foreign Service.

On May 30, 2006, the United States Postal Service released a stamp with Wharton's picture on it. This stamp was part of a series honoring "Distinguished American Diplomats."

His Family's Legacy

Clifton R. Wharton Sr. married Harriet Banks. They had three children together.

His son, Clifton Reginald Wharton Jr., also became very successful. He is a well-known economist and leader. He even served in the State Department as Deputy Secretary of State during the Clinton administration. Before that, he was the president of Michigan State University.

See also

• Rogers Act