Oral history interview with Michelle D. Gavin, 2020
Abstract
Michelle Gavin reflects on her contributions to the Africa policy of the Barack Obama presidency, first as the senior director for African affairs on the National Security Council from 2009 to 2011, and then as ambassador to Botswana from 2011 to 2014. Gavin focuses on President Obama's continental reception, and the significance of the election of an African American with single-generational ties to Africa on bilateral relationships and perceptions of the United States. Gavin provides details about several important projects with which she was closely involved, including the 2010 launch of the Young Africa Leaders Initiative, efforts to enhance the bilateral economic relationship in Botswana, and the development of the largest HIV prevention study ever undertaken. Gavin also discusses the importance of racial and gender diversity among the U.S. diplomatic service, and shares her experience raising a young family while serving in the White House and as a U.S. ambassador
Presidents--United States; HIV infections--Prevention; United States Foreign relations Botswana; Gavin, Michelle D; Obama, Barack; National Security Council (U.S.)
Format
oral histories
Genre
Interviews
Date
2020
Physical Description
41 pages
Note (Biographical)
Michelle Gavin is senior fellow for Africa studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. She was managing director of The Africa Center from 2011 to 2014. She was the United States ambassador to the Republic of Botswana and served concurrently as Unite d States representative to the Southern African Development Community. She also worked as special assistant to President Obama and senior director for Africa on the National Security Council
Note
Interviewed by Karida L. Brown on October 15, 2020. This interview is part of the Columbia University: Obama Presidency Oral History
Note (Provenance)
Michelle D. Gavin, Gift, transferred from Columbia Center for Oral History Research 2022