Presidential Appointment: Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations

Black frame, maroon matte. Measures 28" x 24". Great Seal of the United States affixed to lower left corner of document. This appointment was Perkins' second of three 2-year assignments to the Advisory Committee for Trade and Policy, with all three appointments during the George W. Bush administration. The purpose of the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy is to provide the U.S. Trade Representative with policy advice on matters concerning United States trade agreements and operation of those agreements. Ambassador Perkins joined a distinguished list of 32 individuals, all serving 2-year terms. Dr. Edward J. Perkins (1928-2020) served as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, as well as Liberia, South Africa, and Australia throughout his 25-year foreign service career. In 1986 President Ronald Reagan appointed Perkins to serve as ambassador to South Africa in hopes of fending off a congressional override to his veto of economic sanctions against the country. It was a controversial decision amidst apartheid in South Africa, and many Black leaders urged Perkins to not take the role. Perkins accepted the position and served until 1989, one year before Nelson Mandela was released from prison. He was appointed U.N. Ambassador by George H.W. Bush in 1992, serving for one year.…