The Foreign Service Journal, May 2014

56 MAY 2014 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL AFSA NEWS Department of State by State In March, the Department of State’s Bureau of Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs introduced a new online feature, “the Department of State by State.” It is an interactive map that shows the effect the department, its personnel and American diplomacy have in each of the 50 states. A rich source of informa- tion, the map is an exemplary public outreach tool. For instance, by using the map you can illustrate that the Department of State’s pro- grams help support 130,000 jobs in Montana, $8.9 billion in exports fromArkansas, $1.2 billion in services ex- ported by Maine companies and a $7.3 million contribution On April 2, AFSA had the pleasure of hosting the United Nations Association of the National Capital Area as it presented its Lifetime Achievement Award to Ambassador Edward Perkins. Dedicated to enhancing support for the U.N. in the United States, the UNA-NCA is one of AFSA’s partner organizations. Amb. Perkins is a true Foreign Service legend. He broke countless barriers as an African-American diplo- mat, and served as ambassa- dor to Liberia, South Africa, the United Nations and Australia. The first African-Ameri- can to serve in South Africa, his appointment garnered international attention and some controversy. Later, he became the first African- UNA-NCA Honors Amb. Edward Perkins at AFSA American director general of the Foreign Service. In that position, he spearheaded significant Foreign Service reform. AFSA Executive Director Ian Houston welcomed the large crowd that gathered to celebrate Amb. Perkins and his inspiring life in the Foreign Service. UNA-NCA President Ambassador Donald Bliss introduced Amb. Perkins, who regaled the audience during a moderated con- versation with UNA-NCA’s Recardo Gibson. Despite being 85 years old, the statesman remains a capti- vating storyteller. Following the discussion, Liberian Ambassador to the United States Jeremiah Sulunteh came forward to present the award to Amb. Perkins. It was a touching moment, and affirmation of an admirable and pioneering life of devotion to diplomacy and human rights. AFSA was honored to play a part in rec- ognizing Amb. Perkins for his innumerable contributions to the Foreign Service. AFSA looks forward to continuing the partner- ship with UNA-NCA, and we expect to offer additional joint events later this year. You may learn more about UNA-NCA at www.unanca. org. n –Ásgeir Sigfússon, Director of New Media to Alaska’s fishing industry. There are numerous such facts for each state, includ- ing the number of foreign individuals on a work- or study-based international visitor exchange program in the state, the number of residents holding passports and information on notable state residents who have been diplomats. The map is available at www.state.gov/stateby state. n –Ásgeir Sigfússon, Director of New Media From left to right: UNA-NCA Director-at-Large Recardo Gibson, UNA-NCA Executive Director Paula Boland, UNA-NCA Africa Committee Co-Chair Lydia Kwawu, UNA-NCA President Ambassador Donald T. Bliss, Ambassador Edward Perkins and AFSA Executive Director Ian M. Houston. PHOTOBYÁSGEIRSIGFÚSSON STATE.GOV