John Hall Buchanan, Jr. - Post-congressional Career

Post-congressional Career

Upon leaving Congress in 1981, he was appointed by President Ronald W. Reagan as a member of the U.S. delegation to the United Nations. He has also served on the United Nations Human Rights Committee. Buchanan is also a member of the board of directors of the liberal group, People for the American Way, founded by producer Norman Lear. For many years, he served as PFAW's national spokesman. In that capacity, he traveled extensively, participating in frequent debates with leaders of the Religious Right on radio, television, and various platforms throughout the United States. Appearances in the media included McNeil-Lehrer NewsHour, Crossfire, Larry King Live, Charlie Rose, and other news programs. He also has spoken extensively for national organizations including the Council for the Advancement of Citizenship, the Kettering Foundation, and the Close-Up Foundation.

Buchanan’s numerous awards have included the National Council of Jewish Women Hannah G. Solomon Award, the Common Cause Public Service Achievement Award, the National Conference of Christians and Jews Brotherhood Award, and an award from the Self-Determination for D. C. National Coalition.

He serves on the Common Cause President’s Council, the National Council of the U.S. United Nations Association, and the Board of Advisors and Speakers Bureau of the Close-Up Foundation. He also serves as the board chairman of Fund-Balance, LLC and the Nexus Holdings Group.

In 2010, Buchanan was inducted into the Alabama Academy of Honor for his congressional contributions to furthering the rights of women and African Americans.

After his defeat, Buchanan never returned to Alabama and he lives today outside Washington, D.C., in Bethesda, Maryland. He and his wife Betty have daughters, Liz and Lynn, and granddaughters, Victoria, Molly, and Alexine.