Ralph Johnson Bunche (August 7, 1903 or 1904 - December 9, 1971) was an African-American political scientist, academic, and diplomat. For more than two decades, Bunche served as chair of the Department of Political Science at Howard University (1928-50), where he also taught generations of students. He served as a member of the Board of Overseers of his alma mater, Harvard University (1960-65), as a member of the board of the Institute of International Education, and as a trustee of Oberlin College, Lincoln University, and New Lincoln School. He received the 1950 Nobel Peace Prize for his achieving the 1949 Armistice Agreements in Palestine. He was the first African-American and person of color to be so honored in the history of the prize. He was involved in the formation and administration of the United Nations and continued to mediate in other strife-torn regions, including the Congo, Yemen, Kashmir, and Cyprus. He was appointed as undersecretary-general in 1968. He was also an active and vocal supporter of the civil rights movement. He participated in the 1963 March on Washington, and also in the Selma to Montgomery, Alabama march. In 1963, he was awarded the Medal of Freedom by President John F. Kennedy. He died in 1971, at age 68. Photographed by Carl Van Vechten May 16, 1951.