Harris was the first African American woman in the U.S. presidential line of succession as HUD Secretary.
When Patricia Roberts Harris became the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in 1977, she concurrently became the first African American woman to be included in the U.S. presidential line of succession. This position was not merely ceremonial; it served as a powerful symbol of racial and gender progress within the American political system. Harris's place in the line of succession represented a significant shift in the representation of African American women in leadership roles traditionally dominated by white men. This achievement underscored an increased recognition of African American leadership and influenced future appointments in federal government positions.