Who Was Ralph Bunche?
Early African-American Activist and Scholar Gives 1963 Commencement Address
A man of remarkable intellect and temperament, Ralph Bunche led a life of firsts and of dedicated service to his country. Dr. Bunche was the first African-American to receive a Ph.D. in political science in the United States, and he was the first person of color to receive a Nobel Peace Prize (1950). He taught at Howard University, served in the United Nations, was instrumental in peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians in the 1940s, and he participated in the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s. His life (1904-1971) has been celebrated by buildings named in his honor (at UCLA), libraries dedicated to his memory (at the U.S. Department of State), and on postage stamps. In an era when equality for all races was still a dream, Dr. Bunche was a leader, statesman, and scholar whose life and work were truly extraordinary. The young CSUH campus had the honor of hosting him as a speaker for its commencement in 1963.
When Ralph Bunche addressed the CSUH graduating class in May 1963, he was serving as United Nations Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs (above, center). He was a Nobel Prize recipient (left), and active in the Civil Rights Movement (in the image to the right, he speaks with President Lyndon Johnson, and UN Secretary General, U Thant).