During Black History Month, it is typical for national security institutions to celebrate the accomplishments of Black American national security and foreign policy leaders, like Ambassador Andrew Young, General Colin Powell, Secretary Condoleezza Rice, Ambassador Patrick Gaspard, Ambassador Bonnie Jenkins, Ambassador Ruth Davis, and many others. In addition to celebrating these leaders’ important legacies, it is equally important to celebrate rising leaders in this space.

In 2018, the Diversity in National Security Network and New America highlighted our inaugural list of next generation Black American Foreign Policy and National Security experts. For 2020, our organizations are continuing this important work.

The Diversity in National Security Network and New America are pleased to honor the contributions of 20 Black American experts in U.S. national security and foreign policy. The list features experts currently serving in government, think tanks, academia, non-governmental organizations, and the media. Selection is based on excellence and leadership; their current work in national security or foreign policy; and their contributions to their issues of expertise through thought leadership.

This list is part of a series highlighting the need for diverse voices in national security and foreign policy. We encourage you to read “Bringing More Diversity to the National Security Arena” and the previous lists in this series for Latino, Black American and Asian American and Pacific Islander National Security & Foreign Policy Next Generation Leaders and after you learn about this year’s Latino National Security & Foreign Policy Next Generation Leaders.