By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – A prominent diplomat, educator and civil rights advocate will explore the issue of diversity during an appearance in Buffalo this Sunday.
James Joseph is a former U.S. Ambassador to South Africa and is currently a professor at Duke University.
Throughout his career, Joseph says he's always tried to influence change.
James Joseph came of age during the civil rights struggles of the 1960s. By his own admission, he was confrontational.
But then he went to work for Cummins Engine Company, directing its corporate philanthropy. Joseph said it was that experience that led him to think differently about how to leverage power and influence change.
In 1995, he was the first and only ambassador to present his credentials to former South African President Nelson Mandella.
You can hear the entire interview by clicking the "listen" icon above.
Joseph will present his lecture, "Embracing Diversity: Going Forward as a Community" this Sunday afternoon at 3:00 PM at Rockwell Hall on the Buffalo State College campus. The event is free and open to the public.