Barbara Jordan
Barbara Jordan
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Barbara Jordan was born Barbara Charline Bowman on February 21, 1936, in Houston, Texas. She is often referred to as the "First Black Woman from the South" in Congress.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: February 21, 1936
Died: January 17, 1996
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Nationality: American
Professions:
Lawyer
Politician (US Representative from Texas's 18th Congressional District)
Professor of Public Policy at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at AustinEarly Life and Background
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Barbara Jordan grew up in a family that valued education. Her father, William Samuel Bowman, was a construction worker who later became a minister, while her mother, Emily Dye Irvin, was a schoolteacher. Jordan's early life was marked by a strong sense of social justice, which would shape her future career.
Jordan attended Phillis Wheatley High School in Houston and was an excellent student. She won a scholarship to Texas Southern University (TSU), where she studied government. While at TSU, Jordan became involved in the Civil Rights Movement, attending meetings and participating in protests.
After graduating from TSU with honors in 1957, Jordan attended Howard University School of Law on a full scholarship. However, her studies were cut short when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic and often disabling neurological disorder.
Major Accomplishments
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Jordan's accomplishments are numerous and significant:
She became the first African American elected to the Texas State Senate in 1966.
Jordan was elected to the US House of Representatives from Texas's 18th Congressional District in 1972, becoming the first Black woman from the South to serve in Congress.
In 1974, she delivered her famous "Constitutional Convention" speech, arguing for the impeachment of President Richard Nixon and outlining the principles of democracy.
Notable Works or Actions
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Some of Jordan's notable works include:
Her book Barbara Jordan: Speaking Truth to Power, which was published posthumously in 2007.
Her work on the US Commission on Civil Rights, where she served as a commissioner from 1976 to 1980.
Impact and Legacy
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Jordan's impact on American politics and society is immense. She broke down barriers for women and minorities in Congress, paving the way for future generations of leaders. Jordan's commitment to social justice and her advocacy for civil rights continue to inspire people today.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Barbara Jordan is widely quoted and remembered because of her:
Inspirational leadership: Her courage, conviction, and eloquence inspired countless individuals to become involved in politics and social justice.
Commitment to civil rights: Jordan's tireless advocacy for the rights of African Americans and other marginalized groups continues to resonate today.
* Groundbreaking achievements: She was a trailblazer in every sense, shattering barriers and paving the way for others.
Barbara Jordan's legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have on society. Her quotes, speeches, and actions continue to inspire us to strive for justice, equality, and freedom.
Quotes by Barbara Jordan
Let’s all understand that these guiding principles cannot be discarded for short-term political gains. They represent what this country is all about. They are indigenous to the American idea. And these are principles which are not negotiable.
I felt somehow for many years that George Washington and Alexander Hamilton just left me out by mistake. But through the process of amendment, interpretation, and court decision, I have finally been included in ‘We, the people.’
Let there be no illusions about the difficulty of forming this kind of a national community. It’s tough, difficult, not easy. But a spirit of harmony will survive in America only if each of us remembers that we share a common destiny.
We must exchange the philosophy of excuse – what I am is beyond my control for the philosophy of responsibility.
I believe that women have a capacity for understanding and compassion which a man structurally does not have, does not have it because he cannot have it. He’s just incapable of it.
Americanization means the process of becoming an American. It means civic incorporation, becoming a part of the polity – becoming one of us. But that does not mean conformity. We are more than a melting pot, we are a kaleidoscope, where every turn of history refracts new light on the old promise.
We call ourselves public servants but I’ll tell you this: we as public servants must set an example for the rest of the nation. It is hypocritical for the public official to admonish and exhort the people to uphold the common good.
Think what a better world it would be if we all, the whole world, had cookies and milk about three o’clock every afternoon and then lay down on our blankets for a nap.