Constance Berry Newman (Finding Aid)

Constance Berry Newman

1935 -

Interview Length: 118 minutes

Interview Date(s): December 9, 2004

Interview Location(s): Washington, D.C.

Abstract

Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Constance Berry Newman describes her family background and experiences living in MInnesota and Alabama. Berry's father took a medical staff position at Tuskegee's Veteran's hospital and Newman recalls the feeling of living in a completely segregated atmosphere for the first time. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Constance Berry Newman discusses her sefcondary and post-secondary school years in Alabama and at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine. She also details her struggles againsts gender and race discrimination while at the University of Minnesota Law School. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs and member of various Cabinet posts, Constance Berry Newman details her tenure in those posts. She describes the difficulties of being the only or one of a few minority females holding a goverment post in Republican administrations during the 1960s-1990s. Newman discusses her work with various agencies and organizations dealing with Africa. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Constance Berry Newman, details her position as Assistant Secretary of State for African Affiars in the current Bush administration and the challenges the various countries face in terms of HIV/AIDS and economic and political pressures.

36 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)