The memoir will be released at a book launch and signing event on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at the Shiloh Baptist Church (Old Site), 801 Sophia Street, Fredericksburg, VA. Book purchases will begin at 10:00 a.m., and the launch at 11:00 a.m., with keynote remarks from Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.

She will read short passages from her memoir and share why it is important to tell the story. The memoir, which her second book, will take readers through an inspiring narrative, beginning with the ambassador’s childhood in segregated Fredericksburg, Virginia, to serving as the longest serving U.S. diplomat during South Africa’s transition from apartheid.

Her first book, Neutral on nothing — The Social Activism of Reverend B. H. Hester, was written about her grandfather, who was selected in 1921 to serve as the eighth pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church (Old Site). The beautifully illustrated book on his life as a pastor, educator, writer, and committed social activist was published in 2019, drawing on many original documents and family scrapbooks.

The ambassador was born on April 14, 1947, she graduated from the Walker-Grant High School, received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Virginia State College, and a Master of Arts degree from the University of Cincinnati, both in political science. Following a teaching career at Voorhees College in South Carolina, Bowie State and Morgan State Universities in Maryland.

She also advanced to candidacy for a Ph.D. at the American University School of International Service. Additionally, she received honorary Doctor of Laws degrees from Virginia State University and the University of Cincinnati, and an honorary Doctor of Public Service from Morgan State University. She also received an honorary doctorate from the University of Mary Washington.

She entered the U.S. Foreign Service in 1980, with an extensive career spanning 34 years, during which she made significant contributions to international diplomacy, particularly in Africa, and earned numerous accolades for her work. She served as a U.S. Ambassador three times, under Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama.

Her major diplomatic journey started in 1982 in Brussels, Belgium, where she served in the Joint Administrative Services Section, gaining early diplomatic experience in Europe. In 1990, Bridgewater arrived in South Africa as a Political Officer in Pretoria, a posting that coincided with one of the most transformative periods in the country’s history, the transition from apartheid to a non-racial democratic government.

Over three years, she worked closely with Nelson Mandela and the African National Congress, earning the trust of key figures and strengthening U.S.-South Africa relations during this historic shift. Her tenure in Pretoria was followed by her appointment as Consul General in Durban from 1993 to 1996, making her the first African-American woman to hold this position.

In Durban, amidst civil unrest in KwaZulu-Natal, she played a critical role in supporting South Africa’s democratic transition, earning a commendation from Deputy Assistant Secretary of State George Moose in 1994 for her contributions. Her time in South Africa, particularly as an official election observer during the country’s first democratic elections, remained a highlight of her career.

After South Africa, Bridgewater served as Deputy Chief of Mission in Nassau, Bahamas, from 1996 to 1999, deepening her expertise in Caribbean diplomacy. This role allowed her to engage with regional dynamics and further develop her leadership skills. In 1999, she returned to the United States to participate in the 42nd Senior Seminar, the State Department’s most prestigious professional development program, where she distinguished herself as president of her class.

In 2000, President Bill Clinton appointed Bridgewater as U.S. Ambassador to Benin, a position she held until 2002. During her tenure, she focused on strengthening bilateral ties, notably through initiatives like the Ambassadors Self-Help Fund, which supported rural communities by financing wells for access to potable water. Her efforts earned her the National Order of Benin, a reference to her impact on U.S.-Benin relations.

Following this ambassadorship, Ambassador Bridgewater took on the role of Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs from 2002 to 2004, overseeing U.S. relations with 16 West African countries. During this period, she was named Special Coordinator for Peace in Liberia, leading U.S. efforts during the country’s civil war. Her work facilitated peace talks that culminated in a comprehensive peace agreement and democratic elections, marking a significant achievement in her career.

In 2004, Bridgewater served as Diplomat-in-Residence at Howard University, where she mentored students and encouraged diversity in the Foreign Service, reflecting her lifelong commitment to education and inclusion. The following year, President George W. Bush appointed her as U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, a role she held from 2005 to 2008.

As the first African-American woman in this post, she worked to deepen U.S.-Ghana relations, earning praise from the Asantehene, the king of the Asante people, for her contributions. Her tenure in Ghana showed her ability to navigate complex cultural and political landscapes with grace and effectiveness.

Ambassador Bridgewater’s final diplomatic posting was as U.S. Ambassador to Jamaica from 2010 to 2013, appointed by President Barack Obama. During this period, she engaged deeply with Jamaican communities, supporting initiatives like the Jamaica AIDS Support for Life group and embracing the island’s cultural heritage, including its mento and ska music.

In her 34-year career, she received two U.S. Presidential Meritorious Service Awards and three Department of State Superior Honour Awards for her outstanding leadership, particularly in Africa and the Caribbean. The Secretary of State’s Career Achievement Award recognized her decades of service, while the Charles E. Cobb Jr. Award in 2002 honoured her trade development efforts in Benin.

Internationally, Benin awarded her the National Order of Benin; Ghana also gave her the Order of Volta National Honour, and the Secretary’s Distinguished Service Award for her excellence in her role as an ambassador.

She received the Girl Scouts of Virginia Lifetime Achievement Award, the Dominion Power Strong Leaders Award, and the 100 Black Women’s Candace Award for her mentorship and advocacy for diversity. Her honorary Peace Corps Volunteer designation in Jamaica reflected her community engagement during her ambassadorship there.

For more information about the book launch event, future book signings, or for interviews with Ambassador Bridgewater, contact Julia A. Royston at bkroystonpublishing@gmail.com.