Ebony 1978

Who is the “very special volunteer” at the heart of this Ebony article?

Carolyn Payton, the first Black woman to lead the Peace Corps.

What does Payton’s background at Howard University suggest about the Peace Corps?

It reinforces the ongoing relationship between the government and academic institutions, particularly historically Black colleges.

Why might the article highlight Payton’s enriched personality from her Peace Corps experience?

To attract recruits by presenting Peace Corps service as personally transformative and valuable—possibly appealing during a period of economic uncertainty

What does the fact that Payton wished to recruit more Black volunteers so that the Peace Corps can be more “reflective” of the US reveal?

It implicitly suggests that one of the main thrusts of the program is to project an image of America abroad. 

How does Payton describe the Peace Corps’ mission?

She claims that aslong as there are “people in need, then there is a need for us to try to share the wealth,” suggesting a moral, humanistic understand of the Peace Corps’ purpose.

What role do the volunteer testimonies play at the end of the article?

They promote the Peace Corps as a pathway to personal growth and career success, possibly functioning as a recruitment tactic.

How does Payton describe the living and working conditions of volunteers?

Volunteers live like locals, are not paid well, and must avoid politics—meant to show sincerity and non-interference.