Samuel Z. Westerfield Jr. facts for kids
Samuel Zazu Westerfield Jr. was an important American diplomat and economist. He was born in Chicago, Illinois on November 15, 1919. He became the American ambassador to Liberia on July 8, 1969. He passed away in Monrovia, Liberia on July 19, 1972.
Early Life and Education
Samuel Westerfield Jr.'s parents were Dr. Samuel Z.C. Westerfield and Rachael Weddleton Colquitt. His father was special because he was the first Black student to earn a Ph.D. in Engineering from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
Samuel Jr. was a very good student. He graduated with high honors from Howard University in 1939. He continued his studies and earned a master's degree from Harvard University in 1949. He then received his doctorate, which is the highest degree, from Harvard in 1950.
A Career in Economics and Diplomacy
Samuel Westerfield Jr. was an expert in economics, which is the study of how money and goods are made and used. He taught at Lincoln University. He also led the business school at Clark Atlanta University as its dean. He was even a visiting professor at the Harvard Business School.
Later, he started working for the United States government. He helped manage money matters in the Treasury Department during the Kennedy administration. He became a deputy director, helping to analyze debt and international money issues.
He was one of the first Black economists to join the diplomatic service. This meant he worked for the U.S. government in other countries. He was known as an expert on the economic challenges faced by countries in Africa.
Personal Life
In 1945, Samuel Westerfield Jr. married Helene Bryant. She was an educator and had graduated from Spelman College. They had two children together, a daughter named Shelia and a son named Samuel Z. Westerfield III.
Death
Samuel Westerfield Jr. sadly passed away on July 19, 1972. He was 52 years old. He had a heart attack at the American embassy in Monrovia, Liberia. This happened shortly after he had returned from a dinner party. Before his death, he and his wife, Helene, had hosted Mrs. Richard Nixon. She was in Liberia for the inauguration of President William Tolbert.
Legacy
Samuel Z. Westerfield Jr. is remembered for his important work. The National Economic Association (NEA) gives out a special award in his name. It's called the "Samuel Z. Westerfield Jr. Award." This award is given every few years to African-American economists. It honors them for their excellent research, great service, and overall achievements. It is the most important award given by the NEA. Ambassador Westerfield himself received this award first, after he passed away.
