Q. Was the first Black person appointed to a White House cabinet position a Harvard graduate?
Robert Clifton Weaver, 1929.
HUD 329.870, Folder 9. Harvard University Archives.
Yes! Economist Robert Clifton Weaver (1907-1997) was appointed by President Lyndon Johnson to serve as the first secretary (1966–68) of the newly created U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. In fact, Weaver earned three degrees from Harvard: a S.B. (1929), an A.M. (1931) and a Ph.D. (1934). His doctoral dissertation was entitled The High Wage Theory of Prosperity.
For more information:
- Guide to the Robert C. Weaver papers, 1869-1970 [bulk 1923-1970]. New York Public Library, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books Division.
- Robert C. Weaver, Oral History Interviews - JFK #1-#5, May 6 - Oct.10, 1964 and Dec. 19, 1985. Guide to the John F. Kennedy Oral History Collection (#405). John F. Kennedy Library.
- Hill, Walter B., Jr. “Finding Place for the Negro: Robert C. Weaver and the Groundwork for the Civil Rights Movement.” Prologue Magazine, Spring 2005.
- Civil Rights Tour: Housing - Robert Weaver and the Fight for Fair Housing. 3519 14th Street NE (Site). DC Historic Sites (DC Preservation League) website.