Voting Station

Patricia Roberts Harris

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Politician

The Resume

    (May 31, 1924-March 23, 1985)
    Born in Mattoon, Illinois
    Birth name was Patricia Roberts
    US Ambassador to Luxembourg (1965-67)
    Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (1977-79)
    Secretary of Health and Human Services (1979-81)

Why she might be annoying:

    She noted after being confirmed as an ambassador, 'I feel a little sad about being 'the first Negro woman,' because it implies none were considered before.'
    She lasted only one month as dean of the Howard University law school, resigning when the University president refused to support her stand against student protestors (1969).
    She ran unsuccessfully for mayor of Washington, DC, losing to incumbent Marion Barry (1982).
    Her blunt speaking style was considered a major factor in her loss.

Why she might not be annoying:

    She was offered scholarships by five different universities.
    While in college, she participated in one of the first lunch counter sit-ins (1943).
    She graduated first in her class from George Washington University law school.
    She was the first black woman appointed to the board of directors of a Fortune 500 Company (IBM in 1971).
    When she was named to the board of directors of Chase Manhattan Bank, she said, 'I'm a first on many boards, but I'm not going to be content to remain the only black or the the only woman.'
    She was the first black female cabinet member.
    She said during her confirmation hearings, 'If my life has any meaning at all, it is that those who start out as outcasts may end up part of the system.'

Credit: C. Fishel


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2023, Out of 2 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 5 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 9 Votes: 55.56% Annoying