James A. Joseph facts for kids
James A. Joseph (born March 12, 1935 – died February 17, 2023) was an important American diplomat, teacher, and leader. He worked to make the world a better place, serving four U.S. Presidents and even becoming an ambassador.
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Growing Up and Early Work
James A. Joseph was born in Plaisance, Louisiana. He studied political science at Southern University. Later, he earned a master's degree in divinity from Yale University. After finishing his studies at Yale, Joseph began his career at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. There, in 1963, he helped organize local efforts for the civil rights movement.
A Career of Service
Joseph had a long and varied career. He was a vice president at Cummins Engine Company from 1971 to 1976. He was also an ordained minister and taught at places like Yale Divinity School.
Working for Presidents
From 1977 to 1981, Joseph worked for President Jimmy Carter as the Under Secretary of the Department of Interior. This role involved helping manage America's natural resources. Later, President Reagan asked him to join a committee for international aid. President George H.W. Bush also appointed him to help with the Points of Light Foundation. This group encourages people to volunteer and help their communities. President Bill Clinton made him the first chairman of the Corporation for National Service. This organization helps people serve their country through programs like AmeriCorps.
Leading Foundations
From 1982 to 1995, Joseph was the president of the Council on Foundations. This is a big international group of over 2,000 foundations and companies that give money to good causes. He also spent time teaching at Oxford University in England and the University of Cape Town in South Africa.
Ambassador to South Africa
In 1995, President Bill Clinton chose James Joseph to be the U.S. Ambassador to South Africa. He was the only U.S. Ambassador to present his official papers to President Nelson Mandela. This was a very special moment, as Mandela was a global hero for fighting against apartheid.
In 1999, South Africa's President Thabo Mbeki gave Joseph the Order of Good Hope. This is the highest award South Africa gives to people from other countries. It showed how much they valued his work.
Joseph also helped start the Emerging Leaders Program. This program works with University of Cape Town and Duke University. It helps find and guide young leaders who want to make a positive difference in the world.
Later Life and Legacy
Joseph was honored by his home state as a Louisiana Legend. This award goes to people from Louisiana who have done great things in politics, arts, and other fields. He taught at Duke University and founded centers there and at the University of Cape Town. These centers focused on leadership and public values between the U.S. and Southern Africa.
He wrote three books: The Charitable Impulse, Remaking America, and Saved for a Purpose. He received many honorary degrees. His first college, Southern University, even named a special teaching position in his honor.
James Joseph was married to Mary Braxton, a television journalist. He had two children from a previous marriage. He passed away on February 17, 2023, at the age of 88.
