IPDGC screens documentary on Ambassador Ebenezer D. Bassett
By Yvonne Oh, IPDGC Program Coordinator
The film, A Diplomat of Consequence, tells the story of a groundbreaking diplomat and pioneer on international human rights and examines the legacy of racial diversity today, 150 years after his appointment. This documentary was written, directed and produced by Christopher Teal. He is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service with the U.S. State Department and currently a Public Diplomacy Fellow with IPDGC at the George Washington University.
Ebenezer Don Carlos Bassett was appointed United States Ambassador to Haiti in 1869. He was the first African-American diplomat and the fourth U.S. ambassador to Haiti since the two countries established relations in 1862. Bassett was appointed as new leaders emerged among free African Americans after the American Civil War.
The documentary explores Bassett’s roles as He was an educator, abolitionist, and civil rights activist.
He was among the earliest advocates to promote human rights in foreign policy. His courage in the face of threats during his tenure place him among the greats of diplomatic and American history. Along with public archives on Bassett’s life, newly found information from family members and never before seen material from his four-decade relationship with Frederick Douglass are explored in the documentary.
This is not just an historical documentary, however. Bassett’s legacy demonstrates to broader audiences what diplomats have accomplished and what they do in today’s complicated environment. Bringing in contemporary voices of minority diplomats is a crucial component of why diversity in foreign affairs still is imperative for successful engagement today.
FILM SCREENING: A Diplomat of Consequence; Tuesday, October 18,
IPDGC, in collaboration with LEAP and the Office of Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and student organization, Young Black Professionals in International Affairs (YBPIA), invites you to the screening of the film, A Diplomat of Consequence.
Following the screening will be a panel discussion with the filmmaker Chris Teal, Stacy Williams Deputy Director of the Haitian Affairs Office, State Department, and Celeste Robertson, retired USAID Officer. The discussion will be moderated by Dr. William Youmans, Director of IPDGC.
Event Details:
Tuesday, October 18; 5-7pm
Lindner Room 602, Elliott School, 1957 E St NW, Washington, DC 20052
Pizza and sodas are provided. RSVPs required for the event.