As the first African American and person of color to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1950, Ralph J. Bunche was honored for his remarkable mediation skills in leading the historic Armistice Agreements between Arab nations and Israel. It was the first and only time in the long history of the Middle East conflict that all the nations involved signed peace agreements. With a nearly two-decade-long career as Undersecretary General of the United Nations, Bunche became a global icon celebrated for his tireless efforts in peacekeeping, decolonization, human rights, and civil rights. His commitment to justice and equality was unwavering, and his contributions to drafting the U.N. Charter sections on trusteeship and decolonization showcased his visionary leadership. And even late in life, despite significant health challenges, Bunche continued to maintain this dedication, joining with Rev. Martin Luther King to lead the 1965 march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama.
Bunche’s journey began at UCLA, where he excelled academically and became valedictorian of the Class of 1927. He went on to earn a master’s degree in Political Science from Harvard and pursued his doctorate while teaching at Howard University. Bunche maintained a strong connection to education and scholarly research throughout his illustrious career. He made significant contributions to understanding racial politics in the American South, notably in the seminal work An American Dilemma. Bunche’s commitment to education extended to his teaching roles at Harvard University and his involvement with various educational institutions, including the New York City Board of Education, Harvard University Board of Overseers, Institute of International Education, Oberlin College, Lincoln University, and New Lincoln School.
In recognition of Bunche’s exceptional legacy, UCLA’s Center for African American Studies was renamed in his honor in 2003, commemorating the centenary of his birth. To delve deeper into Bunche’s extraordinary life and achievements, explore the Ralph J. Bunche Virtual Exhibit, curated by the UCLA Library.
