President's Day: A Black President in the Making
During Black History Month we examine influential African-Americans in politics
Significant African-American Politicians Break Down Racial Barriers
In 2001, Condoleezza Rice was asked to serve as national security adviser to President George W. Bush. As the first black American in this position, Rice's role in shaping foreign policy became increasingly important, most notably after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Four years later, upon the resignation of Colin Powell, Rice became secretary of state. She was the first African-American woman, second African-American -- after Powell -- and second woman after Madeleine Albright, to serve in the critical post. Here, then National Security Adviser Rice conducts a background briefing on the upcoming visit of British Prime Minister Tony Blair Feb. 22, 2001, at the White House in Washington. (Tim Sloan/AFP/Getty Images)
