Alexander, Clifford

Alexander, Clifford

(1933–  ) cabinet member, lawyer; born in New York City. A lawyer, he was executive director of Harlem Youth Opportunities (1962–63), later serving on the National Security Council (1963–64). He served as special counsel to President Johnson (1965–67), chaired the Equal Opportunities Commission (1967–69), then practiced law in Washington (1969–76). As President Carter's secretary of the army (1977–81), he encouraged African-Americans to enlist. He formed Alexander Associates in Washington afterward.

The Cambridge Dictionary of American Biography, by John S. Bowman. Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1995. Reproduced with permission.