Those We Lost — July 3

Honoring those we lost on July 3 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind.

Clifford L. Alexander Jr.

Full name: Clifford Leopold Alexander Jr.

Born September 21, 1933 — died July 3, 2022

Lawyer, civil rights advocate, public servant, business leader, and first Black U.S. Secretary of the Army.

Alexander served under multiple presidents and became the first African American Secretary of the Army. His public life connected civil rights, government service, military leadership, and efforts to expand opportunity for Black Americans and women in federal institutions.

Clara Belle Williams

Birth name: Clara Belle Drisdale

Born October 29, 1885 — died July 3, 1994

Educator, college graduate, civil rights-era pioneer, and first Black graduate of New Mexico State University.

Williams earned her degree in 1937 while facing open discrimination, including being forced to listen to lectures from the hallway. Her persistence made her a symbol of educational courage, and her family legacy continued through three sons who became doctors.