US Presidential Cabinet Secretary. He served at the 13th Secretary of the Army during the Administration of President Jimmy Carter from 1977 until 1981. He held the distinction as being the first African-American in that capacity. His father, a Jamaican immigrant, was a manager of a residential development in Harlem, his mother was active in politics and served as an adviser on civil rights for several New York City mayors. Clifford studied Government at Harvard University and later received his law degree from Yale University. Following graduation, he enlisted with the New York National Guard and was stationed with the 369th Field Artillery Battalion in Fort Dix, New Jersey. After his discharge, he began his career as a lawyer in New York City and rose to an assistant district attorney. During the Administration of President John F. Kennedy, Alexander began his involvement in the political arena when he was appointed as a foreign affairs officer with the National Security Council. He remained as a part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's inner-circle and served as an adviser on numerous issues regarding civil rights. He returned to practicing law in 1969 until he was appointed Secretary of the Army in 1977. During his tenure, he oversaw the Army's continued transition to an all-volunteer Army. After leaving Washington, he went on to serve on several boards.
US Presidential Cabinet Secretary. He served at the 13th Secretary of the Army during the Administration of President Jimmy Carter from 1977 until 1981. He held the distinction as being the first African-American in that capacity. His father, a Jamaican immigrant, was a manager of a residential development in Harlem, his mother was active in politics and served as an adviser on civil rights for several New York City mayors. Clifford studied Government at Harvard University and later received his law degree from Yale University. Following graduation, he enlisted with the New York National Guard and was stationed with the 369th Field Artillery Battalion in Fort Dix, New Jersey. After his discharge, he began his career as a lawyer in New York City and rose to an assistant district attorney. During the Administration of President John F. Kennedy, Alexander began his involvement in the political arena when he was appointed as a foreign affairs officer with the National Security Council. He remained as a part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's inner-circle and served as an adviser on numerous issues regarding civil rights. He returned to practicing law in 1969 until he was appointed Secretary of the Army in 1977. During his tenure, he oversaw the Army's continued transition to an all-volunteer Army. After leaving Washington, he went on to serve on several boards.
Bio by: C.S.
Family Members
Advertisement
See more Alexander memorials in:
Advertisement
