On August 21, Dr. Michael Anthony Battle –a St. Louis native – was sworn in as the new United States Ambassador to the African Union (AU). Nominated by President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Battle was overwhelmed at the amount of people that showed up for the occasion held at the Department of State in Washington D.C.
Battle expressed his gratitude to be working with a President that
has prioritized the connection with Africa as he now becomes the Ambassador to, “the
most important African organization,” described Johnnie Carson, Assistant Secretary
of State for the Bureau of African Affairs.
Battle takes his new appointment very seriously as he gets ready to move to the
Continent in early September. Having been an observer for the 1994 South African
election, the first free election in that country, Battle understands the political
and social climate of the continent. He already has laid out many of the objectives
that he wishes to accomplish in his new post.
“I will use every opportunity to support the African Union’s efforts to advance
democracy and a free press, strengthen electoral systems, promote peace and
security,” said Battle, “we also share a strong commitment to Africa’s development
and to alleviating hunger on the continent.”
Battle had humble beginnings growing up in St. Louis City. He was the son of Bishop
Jesse Battle Sr. a local Pentecostal pastor, and he grew up with ten other
siblings, many of which have become pioneers of the St. Louis community.
Battle cherished the value of hard work as he received degrees from Trinity College, Duke
University, Howard University and Harvard University. He spent 20 years serving as
Chaplain in the U.S. Army Reserve. Later he worked as an administrator for Chicago
State University, Virginia State University, and Hampton University. Battle moved
once again when he became the president of the Interdenominational Theological
Center, a graduate school of theology in Atlanta, Georgia.
Now Battle will move to Ethiopia with his supportive wife, Linda, close by his side,
hoping to help Africa become a more independent country and maintain the democratic
progress that the continent has already made.
