Ralph Bunche, a sure Renaissance Man

The Middle East could sure use Ralph Bunche's touch of negotiating. In 1950, Bunche mediated peace between Israel and her Arab neighbors. Bunche dealt with Moshe Dayan and his Arab counterparts.

After the negotiations had successfully concluded Bunche presented both men with a plaque he had made for the positive outcome. Dayan asked him, what would Bunche had done if his efforts had failed, he replied that he would have broke the plaques over their heads. Apparently Bunche had a sense of humor, to go along with his serious side.

For Bunche a black man, who was born in Detroit, Michigan, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. A first for an American. His efforts had given the U.N. teeth, despite the League of Nations, which had preceded it, and which had failed.