Ralph Bunche
Diplomat and Nobel Prize laureate

Born
August 7th, 1904
121 years ago
Died
December 9th, 1971
53 years ago — 67 years old
Category
Leaders & Politicians
Country
United States
Links & References
Significant contributions to diplomacy and conflict resolution occurred during the mid-20th century. Played a crucial role in negotiating the 1949 Armistice Agreements between Israel and its Arab neighbors. Became the first African American to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 1950 for efforts in mediating peace in the Middle East. Held various academic and governmental positions, including serving as a faculty member at Howard University and as Under-Secretary-General for Special Political Affairs at the United Nations.
Negotiated the 1949 Armistice Agreements
First African American Nobel Peace Prize laureate
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