Mission Statement
The Thursday Luncheon Group was founded in 1973 to increase the participation of African Americans and other minorities in the formulation, the articulation and the implementation of United States foreign policy. Our 300 plus members monitor recruitment, assignments, employment practices, promotion patterns, training, and other personnel matters of vital interest to minorities in the principal foreign affairs agencies: The Department of State and The Agency For International Development.
Attention TLG Members
IT’S TIME TO PAY 2007 MEMBERSHIP DUES!
Our dues fund book scholarships and other activities.
PLEASE SEND PAYMENT TO:
Thursday Luncheon Group
P.O. BOX 1106
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20013
Message from TLG President
PLEASE SEND PAYMENT TO:
Thursday Luncheon Group
P.O. BOX 1106
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20013
Message from TLG President
Happy new year! 2007
The Year of the Golden Pig, has indeed had an auspicious beginning for the TLG. Membership continues to grow, and our outlook for an exciting year of activities is bright. In January, the TLG reaffirmed its commitment to the goal of equal opportunity and diversity in the State Department by co-sponsoring the Secretary’s Open Forum program honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The program featured Kevin Belmonte, historical advisor for the film Amazing Grace. Mr. Belmonte highlighted the similarities of the convictions among British and American abolitionist leaders and Dr. King and the civil rights movement, and noted their impact on modern day societies. Political news analyst and journalist Juan Williams also addressed the TLG in January. This month we will participate in the kick-off for Civil Service mentoring, and in March, we will honor TLG Pioneers.
During the course of this year, I hope to continue our luncheon speaker series, to include a member of the Congressional Black Caucus. I also hope to set up a website for the TLG, publish the TLG newsletter on a quarterly basis, increase mentoring/outreach activities, and continue our membership drive. All of these activities require the support of the TLG membership, so please let us know if you are willing to volunteer your time and/or expertise. We also welcome new ideas. As former TLG President Ambassador Aurelia Brazeal once said, “we have strength in our numbers.”
Events
On January 25, Mr. Juan Williams engaged with a full room of TLG members and other guests for two hours at the State Department. At the outset, Mr. Williams remarked upon the evolution of the media from “broadcasting” in the 1950s, reporting which informed audiences, to modern day narrowcasting,” i.e., the targeting of niche audiences to confirm their biases. He then talked about the decreasing role of the media in covering international events. Due to budgetary decisions, journalists often “touch down” in countries to provide cursory coverage of local stories, without a full understanding of the situation on the ground.
Mr. Williams encouraged State Department employees to reach out to the media to educate them and help shape reporting. In responding to questions from the audience, Mr. Williams also talked about the Civil Rights movement and the beginning of the prominence of African Americans in the media profession. Mr. Williams’ presentation was both eloquent and thought-provoking. “Fantastic!” and “Informative!” were some of the comments made following the presentation.
Mr. Williams was born in Colon, Panama, and moved to New York in 1958. He has won acclaim as a writer, having authored and co-authored six books, in addition to his achievements as an accomplished journalist and political analyst.
Thanks to all who helped make this event successful.
Upcoming Activities
On March 1, the TLG and Association of Black American Ambassadors will co-host a Gala Dinner, featuring our 66th United States Secretary of State, Dr. Condoleezza Rice. Secretary Rice will deliver remarks about transformational diplomacy.
In remarks at the Georgetown School of Foreign Service on January 18, 2006, Dr. Rice stated transformational diplomacy is to "work with our many partners around the world to build and sustain democratic, well-governed states that will respond to the needs of their people -- and conduct themselves responsibly in the international system.”
Secretary Rice will also present awards to TLG Pioneers. We expect an extraordinary evening at the Fort Meyer’s Officers Club.
Farewell to Janice Clements
On November 17, the TLG paid a tribute to Janice Clements on the eve of her retirement as the State Department’s Continuity Counselor.
Provided below are Janice’s thoughts about the event.
"As I reflect on the events of November 17th, it is with much gratitude and heartfelt appreciation (and tearfully) that I say, thank you for the wonderful retirement celebration and generous contributions towards gifts. What an appropriate place for me to say my goodbyes to a great group of folks. You are the people who I have enjoyed working with these past 40 years. Thank you for sharing my special day.
I deeply appreciate the gracious remarks and warm wishes. My family members, especially my 84 year old mother, were brought to tears, as was I, over the overwhelming outpouring of love, respect, and warm wishes. Thank you.
I also want to take this opportunity to publicly recognize and express gratitude to Bernadette Cole, Karen Kingsbury and Stacy Williams for planning and hosting the celebration. They are not only special colleagues, but great friends. I am forever grateful to them and everyone else who played a part in my grand finale.
hope that all of you heard my heart in my speech. I realize what a blessing it has been to have a support system of colleagues, such as you, for the past 40 years. It has been an honor to work with all of you. I hope that I impacted upon your life in a positive manner, just as you touched my life. You taught me, and I have taught others, and together we did much good for the Department in raising the productivity of the lives of others.
When you make caring for others the story of your life, there is never a final chapter. So, as I enter the next chapter of my life, I go with fond, treasured memories of you and the Department of State. Thank you for the memories, especially for the grand finale."
We wish Janice continued growth and success in her future endeavors.
Membership/Dues
The TLG welcomes the active participation and contributions of all its members. If you have not yet joined the TLG, please consider doing so today by completing the attached membership form. If you have friends and colleagues who are not yet members, please invite them to join us. Below are the names of the TLG members who have paid their 2007 membership dues. If you have not paid your yearly dues, please do so as soon as possible.
Contact Us
Please send your suggestions and/or
submissions for the newsletter
to:
Dennise Mathieu
MathieuGD@state.gov
Official History of the Thursday Luncheon Group
Prepared by the Founders
Early in 1973, William B. Davis was named USIA Deputy Assistant Director for Exhibits and Robert Andre Dumas was appointed Chief of Foreign Service Personnel. They were the first Black officers to hold these two crucial, senior management positions in USIA. The two close friends of long standing discussed their appointments and all of the ramifications involved, including ways of helping other Black Foreign Service Officers. In the course of their discussions, they agreed that much more could be accomplished if issues were raised by an outside force; then, each in his official capacity would respond in a positive way.
It was a logical progression to conclude that the very same strategy would work across the board, if there was a group in USIA that could raise the appropriate issues. But why limit this to USIA? Why not create a structure to serve as an appropriate pressure group for all the foreign affairs agencies, and provide at the same time a mechanism to guide young Black officers as they pursued their careers? Davis and Dumas also noted that they were in the unique position of having a number of personal friends in the other foreign affairs agencies. Generally, at that time, there was little contact among Blacks within the overall Foreign Service.
The two contacted friends in AID, State, and USIA about meeting to discuss the concept. It was also decided that the Foreign Service Club would provide the best setting. The most convenient date for booking the club and fitting invitees' schedules fell on a Thursday.
About sixteen people showed up at the luncheon, held on the second floor of the Foreign Service Club in an open area at the top of the stairs, the most visible spot in the entire place. White Foreign Service Officers who came into the club and saw this large group of Black officers together were shocked and reacted visibly. The Black officers were amused by this reaction, because no one found it unusual for a group of white employees getting together for lunch. Three White officers could not contain their curiosity and inquired about the occasion that brought the group of Blacks together for lunch. One White USIA officer approached Davis and Dumas and asked jokingly, if "a conspiracy was taking place." An appropriate response was given, also "jokingly!"
Davis and Dumas explained the purpose and concept, they inquired if the group would be interested in meeting for lunch on a regular basis. Among those present at the first meeting were: Jim Parker, Bob Bostick, Howard Robinson, and John Witty. They agreed to hold regular meetings to determine methods through which the group could help Blacks in their Foreign Service careers. Davis proposed that a small ad hoc group meet to discuss ideas relating to strategy and submit suggestions to the entire body at the next luncheon. John Twitty's offer of his apartment as a meeting site was accepted. It was also decided to contact as many other Black Foreign Service Officers as possible. Foreign Service giants, O. Rudolph Aggrey, Elsie Austin, W. Beverly Carter, and Barbara Watson immediately responded with enthusiasm.
The strategy meeting was held at John Twitity's apartment and it was agreed that the group would meet the first Thursday in each month. Davis was to establish a membership roster, and notify members of meetings. He was also to search for another luncheon location, because of the reaction generated at the Foreign Service Club.
The group still had no name. The general consensus was to keep everything low key. Since plans were to meet on the first Thursday of each month, Davis suggested that it simply be referred to as the THURSDAY LUNCHEON GROUP. In his notices, Davis said little more than "TLG", mentioning time and location for the meeting, but no date. This cryptic note disturbed many secretaries who tried their utmost to determine the meaning of "TLG." Black officers enjoyed preserving their little "in" secret.
After a number of informal meetings, it became obvious that it would be necessary to elect a slate of officers. Davis and Dumas agreed between themselves, that they would never run for any office in the TLG as long as they were in the Foreign Service. They did not want anyone to think that they had founded the organization simply to promote themselves. They kept their word and neither Davis nor Dumas held, or was a candidate for any elected TLG office while serving in the Foreign Service.
This example was followed by the TLG during the transition period to the Carter Administration. A TLG committee met with the team headed by Ambassador Donald McHenry and made recommendations for senior Black assignments. No committee member's name was submitted in an effort to maintain credibility and integrity. Ambassador Ed Perkins was an active member of that committee.
The TLG met regularly at Chez Brown Restaurant on 13th Street, N.W. As attendance grew, arrangements were made through Barbara Watson to move the meeting site to the International Club at 18th and K Streets, N.W., where she was a member.
The Thursday Luncheon Group discussed issues affecting the careers of Black officers. Guest speakers were invited from time to time to address the body. Since one of the major purposes for creating the TLG was to help younger officers, plans were devised to directly assist newly recruited Black Foreign Service Officers. Efforts were made to promote effective networking among Blacks in the Department of State, USIA, and AID. Unfortunately, some Blacks in responsible positions were less than helpful. It was decided to attempt to work with each, and then to work around those who were more of a hindrance than help. A TLG dream was that somehow, someday, all of the Black officers would be enlisted.
The TLG made mistakes, but nevertheless continued to grow, and finally became recognized and respected by the highest levels of management in the Foreign Service. The Secretary of State and the Director of USIA are among the officials who have met with TLG leadership to discuss the needs and status of Blacks in the Foreign Service.
Membership was expanded to include representatives from: Treasury Department, Peace Corps, Departments of Agriculture and Commerce. It was also decided to open the membership to non-Black individuals who were interested in promoting TLG goals and objectives. TLG also decided to become aligned with specific issues affecting minorities in general.Accomplishments of the TLG have been many. One of the earliest was convincing the Department of State to elevate the head of the EEO office to the Deputy Assistant Secretary level. Another was to be included among the groups requested to testify at the Congressional Hearings on Reform in the Foreign Service. Indeed, the idea that was conceived by Davis and Dumas was definitely one whose time had come. When the two were reassigned abroad, they left content and confident that TLG was not only alive and well, but would continue to grow and make positive contributions toward the goal of full and complete utilization of the talents of Black officers within the Foreign Service.
Leadership
- Mathieu, Gail Dennise - President Foreign Service officer, 2002-2005
- McGann, C. Steven - Vice-President
- Williams, Stacy D. - Treasurer
- Cole, Bernadette S. - Program Chair
- Williams, Stacy D. - Membership
- Jackson, Carole Ann - Secretary
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Niger
Membership Application Form
Notes
KEVIN BELMONTE is a visiting author at Gordon College and the lead historical consultant for the major motion picture Amazing Grace. Winner of the 2003 John Pollock Award for Christian Biography, Belmonte has edited Wilberforce’s classic apologetic work A Practical View of Christianity and served as a script consultant for the BBC. He and his wife, Kelly, along with their son, Samuel, reside in New England.