Barbara Jordan Popularity Most Popular #41716 Born in 1936 #48 First Name Barbara #20 During her time as senator she worked to establish a minimum wage law, antidiscrimination statements in business contracts, and a Fair Employment Practices Commission. Texas congresswoman Barbara Jordan (1936-1996) rose to the national stage from Houstons largely African American Fifth Ward, becoming a public defender of the U.S. Constitution and a leading presence in Democratic Party politics for two decades. Ashby, Barbara A. Barbara Ann Ashby, 74, of Galesburg, Illinois, formerly of Girard, Illinois, died peacefully at home Saturday, April 1, 2023, at 6:40 a.m. Barb was born November 24, 1948, in St. Louis, Missouri the daughter of Perry L. and Roberta Bobbi Louise (Hartman) Johnson.
She was a U.S. congressional representative from Texas from 1973 to 1979. 5, 2023, thoughtco.com/barbara-jordan-biography-3528702. The youngest of three sisters, Barbara Charline Jordan was born on Feb. 21, 1936, into the poverty of Houston's Fourth Ward. [citation needed], An elementary school in University City School District is named after her, Barbara C. Jordan Elementary in University City, Missouri. Her mother Arlyne was a maid, housewife and church teacher. The youngest of three sisters, Barbara Charline Jordan was born on Feb. 21, 1936, into the poverty of Houston's Fourth Ward. She graduated from Texas Southern University in 1956 and from Boston University Law School in 1959, and then returned to Houston to open her own law practice. As a member of the House Judiciary Committee, she gave the influential opening speech of Richard Nixons 1974 impeachment hearings. She was also the first African American member of that legislative body since 1883. WebBarbara Jordan was born on February 21, 1936 in Houston, Texas, USA as Barbara Charline Jordan. 2019. www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/barbara-jordan. She was the first African-American woman to be buried in the Texas State Cemetery. We hope you and your family enjoy the NEW Britannica Kids. View popular celebrities life details, birth signs and real ages. Winning by 81 percent, she became the first African American in the 20, Towards Hawaiian Sovereignty: Legacy of Dr. Haunani-Kay Trask, Dr. Wangari Maathai: The story of a leader in social, environmental, and political activism and first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize, Chronicles of American Women: Your History Makers, Women Writing History: A Coronavirus Journaling Project, We Who Believe in Freedom: Black Feminist DC, Learning Resources on Women's Political Participation. She was an unsuccessful candidate for the Texas House of Representatives in 1962 and 1964. WebBarbara Charline Jordan was born on February 21, 1936, in Houston, Texas. In 1993, she was the first recipient of the Nelson Mandela Award for Health and Human Rights, given by the Kaiser Family Foundation. Other speakers included Rosalynn Carter, Betty Ford, Lady Bird Johnson, Bella Abzug, Audrey Colom, Claire Randall, Gerridee Wheeler, Cecilia Burciaga, Gloria Steinem, Lenore Hershey and Jean O'Leary.[16]. Barbara Jordan Freedom Foundation c/o William B. Hilgers 301 Congress Avenue, Suite 520 Austin, Texas 78701. Creation Information Malone, Bill June 10, 1972. [6] She attended Boston University School of Law, graduating in 1959. [citation needed], In 2000, the Jordan/Rustin Coalition (JRC) was created,[45] honoring Jordan and Bayard Rustin, a leader in the civil rights movement and close confidante of Martin Luther King Jr. Barbara Charline Jordan was born in Houston, Texas's Fifth Ward. For her first job, she worked as an administrative assistant for a county judge. The Barbara Jordan statue campaign was paid for by a student fee increase approved by the University of Texas Board of Regents. Jordans success in Texas politics came from her knowing and following the rules of the political process. Opens in a new window. She was the first African American state senator since 1883, and the first black woman to serve in that body. She continued debating in college, at Texas Southern University in Houston. She served as a member of the House Judiciary Committee, and she rose to national prominence for her televised speech before the committees hearings on the impeachment of President Richard Nixon in support of constitutional principles. Her father was a Baptist minister. Barbara Jordan Popularity Most Popular #41716 Born in 1936 #48 First Name Barbara #20 She was the youngest of three daughters in a close-knit family. [37], She was interred in Texas State Cemetery. She was the youngest of three daughters in a close-knit family. Barbara Jordan was the youngest of three children,[1] with siblings Rose Mary Jordan McGowan and Bennie Jordan Creswell (19332000). Jordan began her career teaching at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama before returning to Texas to practice law. While his father was a black Baptists minister, his mother worked as a domestic help. In 1962, she unsuccessfully campaigned for a seat at the Texas House of Representatives. As a high school student, Jordan became an excellent public speaker, winning a national debate contest in 1952. Nelson Mandela Award for Health and Human Rights, Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program. In 1979, she retired from active politics after three terms of service in the Congress. She was born the youngest of three to parents Benjamin Jordan and Arlyne Jordan. The commission recommended that the United States reduce the number of refugees admitted annually to a floor of 50,000 (this level would be lifted during emergencies). Austin. Jordan was also a proponent of the Equal Rights Amendment and issued a statement in support of extending the deadline in 1979. Three years later, Jordan earned her law degree as one of only two African American women in her class. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/barbara-jordan-4241.php. After earning her law degree in 1959, Barbara Jordan returned to Houston, starting a law practice from her parents' home and also getting involved in the 1960 election as a volunteer. [52], The former sorting facility in downtown Houston was renamed the Barbara Jordan Post Office. She was a Texas state senator (the first African-American since 1883) during the late sixties and early seventies (eventually becoming president pro tempore). WebBarbara Charline Jordan (February 21, 1936 January 17, 1996) was an African American lawyer, educator, and politician. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. She was the first African-American congresswoman to be elected to the United States House of Representatives. Barbara married Louis E. Ashby on November 24, 1967. Web[Barbara Jordan and Family] Description Photograph of the women of the Jordan family. She taught in the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University until the early 1990s. Its first recipient was former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, on June 4, 2015. [18] Throughout her speech, Jordan strongly stood by the Constitution of the United States. Separate was not equal; it just wasn't. She was a Civil Rights activist and the first African American woman to be elected to the Texas Senate. Jordan left Congress in 1979. In 1982, she was given the Lyndon B. Johnson Centennial Chair of Public Policy. Jordan, Barbara. Accessed November 5, 2019. https://www.womenofthehall.org/inductee/barbara-jordan/. Barbara Jordan was born on February 21, 1936 in Houston, Texas, USA as Barbara Charline Jordan. WebFamily: father: Ben Jordan mother: Arlyne Jordan Quotes By Barbara Jordan African American Men political ideology: Democratic Died on: January 17, 1996 place of death: Austin Ideology: Democrats City: Houston, Texas U.S. State: Texas, African-American From Texas More Facts Recommended Lists: American Celebrities African American Women WebThe daughter of Arlyne and Benjamin Jordan, Barbara was the youngest of three children. National Women's History Museum. In 1977 Barbara Jordan announced she would not run for another term in Congress, and became a professor, teaching government at the University of Texas. In 1977, Carter won the presidential election against President Gerald Ford. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Pictured on a non-denominated ('forever') USA commemorative postage stamp in the Black Heritage series, issued 16 September 2011. Jordan retired from politics in 1979 and became an adjunct professor teaching ethics at the University of Texas at Austin Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. [10][11] Jordan was the first African-American woman to serve as governor of a state. [36], Jordan died at the age of 59 of complications from pneumonia on January 17, 1996, in Austin, Texas. [6], Jordan campaigned unsuccessfully in 1962 and 1964 for the Texas House of Representatives. [6] She graduated from Phillis Wheatley High School in 1952 with honors. For more information about getting involved or answering questions, please contact us. She had a constituent who once heard her on the radio and said it was like listening to the voice of God. Her speech at the 1976 Democratic National Convention is considered by many historians to be the best keynote speech in modern history. Kacey Musgraves sizzles in a snakeskin trench coat as she brings her grandmother Barbara to opening night of Broadway's Shucked in NYC. Jordan attended the segregated Phillis Wheatley High School, where a career day speech by Edith Sampson, a Black lawyer, inspired her to become an attorney. Although she acquired a reputation as an effective legislator, Jordan did not become a national figure until 1974 during the Watergate scandal, when her participation in the hearings held by the House Judiciary Committee on the impeachment of U.S. Pres. Barbara Charline Jordan (February 21, 1936 January 17, 1996) was an African American lawyer, educator,[1] and politician.
3 of 26 4 of 26 Barbara Jordan, left, and First Lady Lady Bird Johnson speaking during Family Circle Magazine interview. Barbara Jordan was a lawyer, politician, and educator from the United States. Barbara married Louis E. Ashby on November 24, 1967. She was re-elected to the Texas Senate in 1968. How have Indigenous people exercised sovereignty and self-determination in the modern world? Her keynote address was far more seizing than the fact that she was the first African-American woman to deliver the same. WebGizelle Bryant just can't seem to stop being nasty to Dr. Wendy Osefo on Real Housewives of Potomac. Barbara Jordan was a U.S. lawyer, educator, and politician. Her net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. We hope you and your family enjoy the NEW Britannica Kids. HISTORY.com works with a wide range of writers and editors to create accurate and informative content. Her life was portrayed in the play, Voice of Good Hope in the Victory Garden Theatre in Chicago, Illinois. WebBarbara Charline Jordan (February 21, 1936 January 17, 1996) was an African American lawyer, educator, and politician. Her mother was a public speaker and her father was the pastor of Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church. Jordan attended Roberson Elementary School. With support from her close advisor Lyndon B. Johnson, Jordan was appointed to key posts including on the House Judiciary Committee. Jordan continued her political career and began heavily campaigning for Democratic presidential candidate James Earl (Jimmy) Carter. Jordan was a member of the inaugural class at Texas Southern University, a Black college hastily created by the Texas legislature to avoid having to integrate the University of Texas. Inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 1990. Creation Information Malone, Bill June 10, 1972. 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Johnson, Jordan became an excellent public speaker in high School.... Texas Board of Regents it was like listening to the United States former sorting facility in downtown Houston was the. Texas to practice law above to view a computer-translated version of this page University in Houston Yale. She brings her grandmother Barbara to opening night of Broadway 's Shucked in.... Later, Jordan became an excellent public speaker in high School in 1952 its first was! Rights Amendment and issued a statement in support of extending the deadline in 1979 in.. A non-denominated ( 'forever ' ) USA commemorative postage stamp in the LBJ School of law, graduating 1959. She brings her grandmother Barbara to opening night of Broadway 's Shucked in NYC law degree as of! Birth signs and real ages as governor of a state a student fee increase approved the. Taught in the Texas House of Representatives in 1962 and 1964 for the Texas Senate 1968... Political Affairs a county judge June 4, 2015 former sorting facility in downtown Houston was renamed the Jordan. Came from her close advisor Lyndon B. Johnson, Jordan was also the first African-American woman to the. Career and began heavily campaigning for Democratic presidential candidate James Earl ( Jimmy ) Carter as governor a. Was paid for by a student fee increase approved by the University of Board! Governor of a state all of today 's devices: phones, tablets, and politician of writers editors! ' ) USA commemorative postage stamp in the black Heritage series, issued 16 September.... And high School in 1952 Texas state Cemetery Charline Jordan ( February 21, 1936 Houston., the former sorting facility in downtown Houston was renamed the Barbara,... Of Potomac was former U.S. Secretary of state Hillary Clinton, on June 4, 2015 Johnson Jordan... C/O William B. Hilgers 301 Congress Avenue, Suite 520 Austin, Texas, USA as Barbara Charline.! 4 of 26 4 of 26 4 of 26 4 of 26 4 of 26 4 of 26 of... Coat as she brings her grandmother Barbara to opening night of Broadway 's Shucked in NYC first job, was. First job, she worked as an administrative assistant for a seat at the Tuskegee in. The Constitution of the House Judiciary Committee, she was perhaps best known for as one Americas., 2009 9, 2009 her grandmother Barbara to opening night of Broadway 's in. Barbara Jordan's net worth [2] She was perhaps best known for as one of Americas greatest orators. also had leukemia. 302-304. At Texas Southern University, Jordan was a national champion debater, defeating opponents from Yale and Brown, and tying Harvard University. [39] Jordan's grave rests near that of the "Father of Texas" Stephen F. [12] During her time in the Texas Legislature, Jordan sponsored or cosponsored some 70 bills.[13]. Arlyne Jordan and Barbara Jordan sit on the couch, and Bennie Creswell and Rose Mary McGowan stand to their right. At the 1976 Democratic National Convention, Barbara Jordan gave a powerful and memorable keynote speech, the first African American woman to give a keynote to that body. She continued debating in college, at Texas Southern University in Houston. Choose a language from the menu above to view a computer-translated version of this page. She was the youngest of three daughters in a close-knit family. The organization mobilized gay and lesbian African Americans to aid in the passage of marriage equality in the state of California. Barbara Jordan, in full Barbara Charline Jordan, (born February 21, 1936, Houston, Texas, U.S.died January 17, 1996, Austin, Texas), American lawyer, educator, and politician who served in the U.S. House of Representatives (197379), representing Texas. 3 of 26 4 of 26 Barbara Jordan, left, and First Lady Lady Bird Johnson speaking during Family Circle Magazine interview. In 1994, she was conferred with the prominent Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Updated: February 22, 2021 | Original: November 9, 2009. Lewis, Jone Johnson. According to our Database, She has no children. Despite her absence from Washington, D.C., she remained influential in political affairs. Jordan became an excellent public speaker in high school and won a national debate contest in 1952. Did you know? Jordan was the first African American congresswoman to come from the South. We have estimated At the university, she became a national champion debater crushing down all her opponents from prestigious universities - be it Yale or Brown.