November 11, 1928 - Cynthia Shepard Perry (Nov 11, 1928)

Vision, spirit tools for ambassador

“The earth is but one Country and mankind is its Citizen.” — Cynthia Shepherd Perry

What a profound and prophetic statement made by who else but an ambassador of the United States to the African countries of Sierra Leone and Burundi.

Cynthia Shepherd Perry, a native of Terre Haute, was only the fifth African-American woman to be named an ambassador in the history of the United States.

Born on Veteran’s Day 1928 in Otter Creek Township, Perry graduated as valedictorian from Otter Creek High School in 1946. She came from a family of nine children- but her father always encouraged her to do her best and go as far as her talents would take her.

With her father’s support she learned to play the piano, clarinet and saxophone and played in her high school band. She loved art and music. After high school she married Otto Shepherd and raised four children and while doing that she also worked in Nichols’ Loan Corp. during the 1950’s.

Perry sought advice from her former principal, Herbert Lamb, who very promptly advised her to obtain further education to reach her goal, which was to become an ambassador to Kenya.

In 1968 she graduated from Indiana State University, studying political science and majoring in English. At the time she also worked as an educational representative at IBM.

Then she entered the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and in 1972 received a doctorate in international education. For the next few years she lectured in the United States and abroad.

She also traveled extensively with her husband, James O. Perry. She finally settled in Houston with her new family, which also included two stepchildren, and she was also host of a one-hour radio program on world affairs.

Then she joined Texas Southern university (where her husband also taught mathematics for 40 years) and for four years was the dean of International Student Affairs and professor of education.

Perry became a Peace Corps trainer in Texas and in Kenya from 1974 to 1976. From 1976 to 1978 she worked at the United Nations Commission for Africa.

By 1982, Perry was named chief of the Education and Human Resources Division in the African Bureau of the U.S. Agency for International Development and was responsible for projects in 43 African nations. In 1985 she was appointed as ambassador to Burundi by President George Bush.

She still has her eyes on Kenya. She always said “You don’t know how high you can reach- until you try.”

Because of her remarkable achievements in her life’s struggle and success, several universities gave her several honorary degrees, including and honorary doctorate of civil law from University of Maryland.

In 1988 she received an honorary doctorate in public service from University of Massachusetts School of Education.

Her life is truly an inspiration for all of us who are struggling to get somewhere in life.

Although born an African-American, in a large family with limited resources, marrying early and having several children, no obstacle was too high for her to overcome.

Perry did it all with clear vision, sheer determination, hard work and an indomitable spirit.