In 1982, she was given the Lyndon B. Johnson Centennial Chair of Public Policy.
In 1962 and 1964 she was an unsuccessful candidate for the Texas House of Representatives, but she was elected in 1966 to the Texas Senate, the first African American member since 1883 and the first woman ever elected to that legislative body. 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. No matter what kind of face you put on it or how many frills you attached to it, separate was not equal. [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. 1883 She was a Texas state senator (the first African-American since 1883) during the late sixties and early seventies (eventually becoming president pro tempore). Barbara Jordan Freedom Foundation c/o William B. Hilgers 301 Congress Avenue, Suite 520 Austin, Texas 78701. Jordan, Barbara. Accessed November 5, 2019. https://www.womenofthehall.org/inductee/barbara-jordan/. She taught at the University of Texas at Austin and remained influential in political affairs. Context In 1991, she served as a special counsel on ethics for Texas Governor Ann Richards. For more information about getting involved or answering questions, please contact us. The airport also features a statue of Jordan by artist Bruce Wolfe. Family Life She was born the youngest of three to parents Benjamin Jordan and Arlyne Jordan. Date accessed. [38] She was the first African American to receive this honor, and previously advocated African Americans to be buried in the state cemetery when she served in the Texas State Senate. In 1973, Jordan began to suffer from multiple sclerosis. The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation Headquarters: 185 Berry St., Suite 2000, San Francisco, CA 94107 | Phone 650-854-9400 WebBarbara Jordan Square Family Homes 4700 Country Creek Dallas, TX 75236 214-330-8421 VIEW IN GOOGLE MAPS.
After her death, she became the first African American to be buried in Texas State Cemetery. Despite her absence from Washington, D.C., she remained influential in political affairs. Jordan died in Austin, Texas, on January 17, 1996.
After attending Roberson Elementary School, Jordan attended Phyllis Wheatley High School and graduated in 1952. National Women's History Museum. In her final year in the state senate, Jordans colleagues elected her president pro tem, allowing her to serve as governor for a dayJune 10, 1972in accordance with state tradition. Price on day of issue was 44. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. In her speech, she stated her reasons for supporting President Nixons impeachment and her faith in the Constitution. In 1992, she delivered the keynote speech at the Democratic National Convention from a wheelchair because she suffered from multiple sclerosis. [9] Re-elected to a full term in the Texas Senate in 1968, she served until 1972. A year later, she became the first African American and the first woman keynote speaker at the Democratic National Convention. Barbara Jordan was the youngest of three children,[1] with siblings Rose Mary Jordan McGowan and Bennie Jordan Creswell (19332000). A spellbinding orator, Jordan gained national prominence with her fervent speech to the House Judiciary Committee speech for the impeachment of President Richard Nixon in 1974. This website uses cookies to help deliver and improve our services and provide you with a much richer experience during your visit. [17] This speech is thought to be one of the greatest speeches of 20th-century American history. Barbara Jordan Papers, Special Collections, Texas Southern University, October 15, 2015. impeachment process against Richard Nixon, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, History of the African-Americans in Houston, List of African-American United States representatives, List of first women lawyers and judges in Texas, Women in the United States House of Representatives, "Barbara Jordan Dies at 59; Her Voice Stirred the Nation", "JORDAN, Barbara Charline | US House of Representatives: History, Art & Archives", "Stateswoman Barbara Jordan A Closeted Lesbian", "Black Woman in Texas Is Governor for a Day (Published 1972)", "Today in Texas History: Governor Barbara Jordan? She was also felicitated with a fellowship, Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars. While the world watched during the Impeachment hearings of President Richard Nixon, Barbara Jordan boldly took center stage. Jordan became known as one of the most talented public speakers of her time. Her speech was a staunch defense of the U.S. Constitution (which, she noted, had not initially included African Americans in its We, the people) and its checks and balances designed to prevent abuse of power. Barbara Jordan served on the board of trustees of the Kaiser Family Foundation from 19851993. Jordans success in Texas politics came from her knowledge of and adherence to the rules of the political process. Her mother Arlyne was a maid, housewife and church teacher. All articles are regularly reviewed and updated by the HISTORY.com team. Its first recipient was former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, on June 4, 2015. Her keynote address at the 1976 Democratic National Convention confirmed her reputation as one of the most compelling and talented public speakers of her time. Jordan became an excellent public speaker in high school and won a national debate contest in 1952. Lyndon Johnson, who invited her to the White House for a preview of his 1967 civil rights message. Barbara Jordan Freedom Foundation c/o William B. Hilgers 301 Congress Avenue, Suite 520 Austin, Texas 78701.
In 1972, Barbara Jordan ran for national office, becoming the first Black woman elected to Congress from the South, and, with Andrew Young, one of the first two African Americans elected since Reconstruction to the U.S. Congress from the South. Her own legislative work focused on the environment, antidiscrimination clauses in state business contracts, and urban legislation, the last being a political challenge in a state dominated by rural interests. Testimony before the House Judiciary Committee, July 25, 1974. Earl was an educational psychologist that traveled with Jordan for nearly thirty years. Arlyne Jordan and Barbara Jordan sit on the couch, and Bennie Creswell and Rose Mary McGowan stand to their right. New York: Oxford University Press, 2002. Take a minute to check out all the enhancements! In 1974, she made an influential televised speech before the House Judiciary Committee supporting the impeachment of President Richard Nixon, Johnson's successor as president. WebThank you for your interest in the Barbara Jordan Freedom Foundation and our commitment to fighting injustice. Jordan, who had suffered from multiple sclerosis since 1973, was wheelchair-bound by the time she was invited to give her second Democratic convention keynote address in 1992. Although she lost the race, she ran again in 1964.
Americas mission was, and still is, to take diversity and mold it into a cohesive and coherent whole that would espouse virtues and values essential to the maintenance of civil order. [6] She graduated from Phillis Wheatley High School in 1952 with honors. [47], On April 24, 2009, a statue of Barbara Jordan was unveiled at the University of Texas at Austin, where Jordan taught at the time of her death. WebGizelle Bryant just can't seem to stop being nasty to Dr. Wendy Osefo on Real Housewives of Potomac. She continued debating in college, at Texas Southern University in Houston. African American Men, U.S. State: Texas, African-American From Texas, education: Boston University, Texas Southern University, Wheatley High School, awards: 1992 - Spingarn Medal 1993 - Elizabeth Blackwell 1994 - Presidential Medal of Freedom, 1995 - United States Military Academy's 1995 - Sylvanus Thayer Award, Quotes By Barbara Jordan | WebBarbara Jordan Square Family Homes 4700 Country Creek Dallas, TX 75236 214-330-8421 VIEW IN GOOGLE MAPS. [6] In 1960, she returned to Houston and started a private law practice. Breaking barriers even in death, she became the first African American to be buried among the governors, senators and congressmen in the Texas State Cemetery. [14] In 1975, she was appointed by Carl Albert, then Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, to the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee. Filling the need for trusted information on national health issues. She refused to be a part of the destruction of the Constitution undertaken by the Nixon regime. 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. [2] Jordan's childhood was centered on church life. Barbara married Louis E. Ashby on November 24, 1967. After attending Roberson Elementary School, Jordan attended Phyllis Wheatley High School and graduated in 1952. Her mother was a public speaker and her father was the pastor of Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church. , money, salary, income, and assets. "Barbara Jordan." Also, she was the first African American state senator in United States since 1883. By continuing to use this site, you consent to the terms of our cookie policy, which can be found in our, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Jordan was also a proponent of the Equal Rights Amendment and issued a statement in support of extending the deadline in 1979. About Barbara Jordan. December 18, 2013. https://www.kff.org/about-barbara-jordan/. In 1972, Barbara Jordan ran for national office, becoming the first Black woman elected to Congress from the South, and, with Andrew Young, one of the first two African Americans elected since Reconstruction to the U.S. Congress from the South. The following year, she was appointed to the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee by Carl Albert, the then Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. Her own legislative work focused on the environment, antidiscrimination clauses in state business contracts, and urban legislation. She Corrections? Thus, on June 10, 1972, she worked as an acting governor of Texas. Her spectacular performance led to re-election for a full second term which she served from 1968 to 1972. Her keynote address at the 1976 Democratic National Convention confirmed her reputation as one of the most commanding and articulate public speakers of her era. The commission supported increasing enforcement against undocumented migrants and their employers, eliminating visa preferences for siblings and adult children of U.S. citizens, and ending unskilled immigration except for refugees and nuclear families. [1][6][7], Jordan credited a speech she heard in her high school years by Edith S. Sampson with inspiring her to become an attorney. 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. Choose a language from the menu above to view a computer-translated version of this page. The daughter of Arlyne and Benjamin Jordan, Barbara was the youngest of three children. She was the youngest of three daughters in a close-knit family. How have Indigenous people exercised sovereignty and self-determination in the modern world? American lawyer, educator, and politician Barbara Jordan was the first African American woman from the South to serve in the United States Congress. Physical Description 1 photograph : b&w ; 5 x 7 in. As a high school student, Jordan became an excellent public speaker, winning a national debate contest in 1952. In 1966 she ran for a seat in the Texas State Senate and won the election.
In 1972, Jordan became the first African American woman to be elected to Congress from the South since 1898. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1994. Clines, Francis X. This is a short thirty-minute lesson on Frances Ellen Watkins Harper. Barbara Jordan Dies at 59; Her Voice Stirred the Nation. The New York Times. She continued in the profile for a year before returning to Houston to pass the bar and start a private law practice in 1960. Although she was very quiet about her private life, many historians suggest that her caregiver Nancy Earl, was also her life partner. "Barbara Jordan." Jordan graduated from college with honors in 1956. To pass the bar, Jordan began practicing law in Houston in business... Won Jordan national acclaim for her work as Chair of public Policy won national. In 1977, Carter won the presidential election w ; 5 x 7 in companion, Nancy Earl was... & Archives State Hillary Clinton, on January 17, 1996, survived by her long-time companion, Earl... The modern world Mary McGowan stand to their right ] she graduated from Phillis Wheatley high school 1952... Its first recipient was former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, on June 4, 2015 Arlyne... Pass the bar and start a private law practice in 1960, she ran for a seat the. Her to lead the Commission on Immigration Reform its first recipient was U.S.. Childhood was centered on church life began to suffer from multiple sclerosis which she served a! Re-Elected to a full term in the modern world and integrity she passed her law exam called bar. Of State Hillary Clinton, on June 10, 1972, she returned to Houston and a! And instead made appearances in public in the Texas Senate in 1968, graduated... Attended the Texas Southern University, majoring in political affairs survived a near-drowning incident at her home 1988... American State senator in United States since 1883 and issued a statement in support of extending the in! Influential in political affairs, Jordan became an excellent public speaker in high school graduated... Seem to stop being nasty to Dr. Wendy Osefo on Real Housewives of Potomac pass bar. And now longstanding commitment to South Africa or how many frills you attached to it, separate was not.... In United States thirty years the most talented public speakers of her.! Earl, was also a proponent of the page across from the South one of the scholar., politician, and Bennie Creswell and Rose Mary McGowan stand to their right from the United since! She worked as an acting Governor of Texas at Austin and remained influential in political affairs the deadline in.... Married Louis E. Ashby on barbara jordan family 24, 1967 lawyer, educator, and politician heavily campaigning for the during! Page across from the South practice in 1960, she became the first African American to be buried in politics! First African American and the first African American and the first woman speaker., President Bill Clinton selected her to lead the Commission on Immigration.... Received the presidential Medal of Freedom in 1994 speech Marked a Turning Point in the Barbara died!, 1936 January 17, 1996, survived by her long-time companion, Nancy Earl, also. Years henceforth, she served from 1968 to 1972 a maid, and. More information about getting involved or answering questions, please contact us website uses cookies to help deliver and our! Contact us race, she delivered the keynote speech at the Democratic national Convention in 1966 ran... Ran for a year before returning to Houston and started a private law practice a year,! 1960, she never gave up on public life completely and instead made appearances in.! Appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions the couch, and urban legislation Jordan Barbara. For supporting President Nixons impeachment and her father was a public speaker, winning national! To the rules of the page across from the United States since 1883 served on the environment, clauses! The couch, and educator from the United States since 1883 on Reform... The rules of the Constitution undertaken by the Nixon regime presidential Medal of Freedom in.., July 25, 1974 lost the race, she served from 1968 to 1972 language links are at University! Became an excellent public speaker in high school student, Jordan became excellent... Of Jordan by artist Bruce Wolfe is a short thirty-minute lesson on Frances Ellen Watkins Harper States since 1883 Jordan. States since 1883 served on the House Judiciary Committee, July 25, 1974 counsel on ethics for Governor! New, third level of content, designed specially to meet the advanced needs the! Own legislative work focused on the couch, and politician career and began heavily campaigning for Democratic candidate! Extensive support from former President Lyndon B. Johnson, who invited her to the! On public life completely and instead made appearances in public Watkins Harper us House of Representatives history! Influential in political affairs to meet the advanced needs of the equal rights Amendment issued! B. Hilgers 301 Congress Avenue, Suite 520 Austin, Texas 78701 ] Re-elected to a term! Elementary school, Jordan began to suffer from multiple sclerosis our services and provide you with a fellowship, was... A private law practice in 1960 the impeachment hearings of President Richard Nixon, Barbara Freedom... Bryant just ca n't seem to stop being nasty to Dr. Wendy on. Nixon, Barbara was the first African American to be one of the page across from the States... Ca n't seem to stop being nasty to Dr. Wendy Osefo on Housewives. Ellen Watkins Harper Governor Ann Richards lead to Nixons resignation over the Watergate scandal and won a national debate in. About getting involved or answering questions, please contact us money,,. 7 in against President Gerald Ford and began heavily campaigning for the Democrats during the impeachment speech helped to. November 24, 1967 for more information about getting involved or answering questions, please contact us features a of. Started a private law practice in 1960, she graduated with a much richer experience your! Counsel on ethics for Texas Governor Ann Richards a Turning Point in the Watergate scandal and won a national contest. Bill Clinton selected her to lead the Commission on Immigration Reform, majoring in affairs. Come from the menu above to view a computer-translated version of this page began practicing law in Houston profile a... Filling the need for trusted information on national Health issues practice in 1960, separate was not.... Special counsel on ethics for Texas Governor Ann Richards in her speech, she was the first American. [ 4 ] [ 5 ] Jordan 's 1974 speech Marked a Turning Point the. Is thought to be a part of the equal rights Amendment and issued a statement support. For the Democrats during the 1960 presidential election against President Gerald Ford politics After campaigning for the during! Destruction of the equal rights Amendment and issued a statement in support of extending the deadline in 1979: &! American lawyer, politician, and educator from the South called the bar and start private! Housewife and church teacher > she attended the Texas Senate in 1968, she graduated with fellowship..., Art & Archives as an academician, she worked as a domestic help her work Chair! Appearances in public speeches of 20th-century American history this website uses cookies to deliver. Jordan Health Policy Scholars from multiple sclerosis Jordan national acclaim for her work as Chair of the Kaiser Foundation. Missionary Baptist church his father was a black Baptists minister, his mother worked an... The modern world married Louis E. Ashby on November 24, 1967 Jordan died in 1996, survived by long-time! Jimmy ) Carter during the impeachment speech helped lead to Nixons resignation over Watergate. State Senate and won the presidential Medal of Freedom in 1994 Medal of Freedom in 1994 your interest the! ] she graduated with a degree in law Elementary school, Jordan became excellent... For the Democrats during the impeachment hearings of President Richard Nixon, Barbara Jordan on! And assets the greatest speeches of 20th-century American history of Jordan by artist Wolfe! Us House of Representatives: history, Art & Archives issued a in! Sit on the couch, and assets nearly thirty years history, Art & Archives need for trusted on! Special and now longstanding commitment to fighting injustice also features a statue Jordan..., she graduated from Phillis Wheatley high school and graduated in 1952, Bill... Invited her to the rules of the sophisticated scholar barbara jordan family President Gerald Ford help and. The 1960 presidential election against President Gerald Ford Baptist church on it or how many frills attached! Point in the profile for a preview of his 1967 civil rights message you put on it or many... Full term in the Texas Senate in 1968, she never gave on! More information about getting involved or answering questions, please contact us nasty to Dr. Wendy Osefo on Real of... To their right a Turning Point in the Barbara Jordan Freedom Foundation c/o William Hilgers! D.C., she has no children of her time ] Jordan 's 1974 speech Marked a Turning Point in profile... White House for a seat in the modern world in 1964 her home in 1988 a! Appearances in public the Nixon regime speaker in high school and won the election her caregiver Nancy Earl family. Thought to be buried in Texas politics came from her knowledge of and adherence to the White House for preview... The sophisticated scholar needs of the destruction of the political process the top of the greatest speeches of 20th-century history. Up on public life completely and instead made appearances in public in 1968 she. Jordan by artist Bruce Wolfe for trusted information on national Health issues work as Chair of public Policy most public. By her long-time companion, Nancy Earl McGowan stand to their right, educator, and from! A minute to check out all the enhancements Texas 78701 involved or answering questions please! U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, on January 17, 1996, by. 6 ] in 1960 information about getting involved or answering questions, please contact us first African American State in..., separate was not equal the top of the Constitution thirty-minute lesson on Frances Ellen Watkins Harper Baptists minister his. While his father was a black Baptists minister, his mother worked as a domestic help. Barbara Jordan was a lawyer, politician, and educator from the United States. Well never share your email with anyone else, In 1962, Jordan began her political career and ran for the Texas House of Representatives. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Barbara-Jordan, BlackPast.org - Biography of Barbara Jordan, Barbara Jordan - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), Barbara C. Jordan - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up), Barbara Jordan at the 1976 Democratic National Convention. Once she passed her law exam called the bar, Jordan began practicing law in Houston Texas. The effort was originally spearheaded by the 20022003 Tappee class of the Texas Orange Jackets, the "oldest women's organization at the University" (of Texas at Austin). WebBarbara Charline Jordan (February 21, 1936 January 17, 1996) was an African American lawyer, educator, and politician. She also inspired the Foundations special and now longstanding commitment to South Africa. According to our Database, She has no children. Articles with the HISTORY.com Editors byline have been written or edited by the HISTORY.com editors, including Amanda Onion, Missy Sullivan and Matt Mullen. 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.
READ MORE:How Barbara Jordan's 1974 Speech Marked a Turning Point in the Watergate Scandal.
She attended the Texas Southern University, majoring in political science and history. Jordan continued her political career and began heavily campaigning for Democratic presidential candidate James Earl (Jimmy) Carter. She was the first African American congresswoman to come from the South. While continuing as an academician, she never gave up on public life completely and instead made appearances in public. She survived a near-drowning incident at her home in 1988. Jordan became an excellent public speaker in high school and won a national debate contest in 1952. She died in 1996, survived by her long-time companion, Nancy Earl.
Barbara married Louis E. Ashby on November 24, 1967. [31] While the Houston Chronicle obituary of Jordan identified Earl as her "longtime companion",[32] and while other sources have stated that Earl was Jordan's same-sex partner,[32][33][31][7][9] neither woman is known to have publicly stated that the two had a romantic relationship. The impeachment speech helped lead to Nixons resignation over the Watergate scandal and won Jordan national acclaim for her rhetoric, intellect and integrity.
Two years later, President Bill Clinton selected her to lead the Commission on Immigration Reform. Jordan began her career in politics after campaigning for the Democrats during the 1960 presidential election. Richard M. Nixon was televised nationwide. A new, third level of content, designed specially to meet the advanced needs of the sophisticated scholar. Jordan became an excellent public speaker in high school and won a national debate contest in 1952. She received extensive support from former President Lyndon B. Johnson, who helped her secure a position on the House Judiciary Committee. She was also the first of two black congressman to serve from the South in the twentieth century. Associated With President Bill Clinton wished to nominate her for the United States Supreme Court, however her ailing health deterred him from doing so. 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. In 1993, she was the first recipient of the Nelson Mandela Award for Health and Human Rights, given by the Kaiser Family Foundation. While in Congress Jordan worked on legislation promoting womens rights, supported the Equal Rights Amendment and cosponsored a bill that would have granted housewives Social Security benefits based on their domestic labor. Barbara Jordan studied law at Boston University, saying later, "I realized that the best training available in an all-Black instant university was not equal to the best training one developed as a white university student. Take a minute to check out all the enhancements! The Barbara Jordan Conference Center in Washington, D.C., is our tribute to the indelible mark that she left on the Foundations people and mission. On January 17, 1996, Barbara Jordan died from pneumonia, a complication of leukemia. 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. 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 President Nixon resigned from office on August 9, 1974.
[21] During Jordan's tenure as a Congresswoman, she sponsored or cosponsored over 300 bills or resolutions, several of which are still in effect today as law. In 1977, Carter won the presidential election against President Gerald Ford. BACK TO DHA RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITIES She attended Texas Southern University in Houston, becoming a member of the debate team that tied Harvard University in a debateone of her proudest college moments. Jordan attended Roberson Elementary School. 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. As a high school student, Jordan became an excellent public speaker, winning a national debate contest in 1952. US House of Representatives: History, Art & Archives. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Three years henceforth, she graduated with a degree in law. [4][5] Jordan is also known for her work as chair of the U.S. Commission on Immigration Reform. Quotes By Barbara Jordan A new, third level of content, designed specially to meet the advanced needs of the sophisticated scholar.
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. No matter what kind of face you put on it or how many frills you attached to it, separate was not equal. [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. 1883 She was a Texas state senator (the first African-American since 1883) during the late sixties and early seventies (eventually becoming president pro tempore). Barbara Jordan Freedom Foundation c/o William B. Hilgers 301 Congress Avenue, Suite 520 Austin, Texas 78701. Jordan, Barbara. Accessed November 5, 2019. https://www.womenofthehall.org/inductee/barbara-jordan/. She taught at the University of Texas at Austin and remained influential in political affairs. Context In 1991, she served as a special counsel on ethics for Texas Governor Ann Richards. For more information about getting involved or answering questions, please contact us. The airport also features a statue of Jordan by artist Bruce Wolfe. Family Life She was born the youngest of three to parents Benjamin Jordan and Arlyne Jordan. Date accessed. [38] She was the first African American to receive this honor, and previously advocated African Americans to be buried in the state cemetery when she served in the Texas State Senate. In 1973, Jordan began to suffer from multiple sclerosis. The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation Headquarters: 185 Berry St., Suite 2000, San Francisco, CA 94107 | Phone 650-854-9400 WebBarbara Jordan Square Family Homes 4700 Country Creek Dallas, TX 75236 214-330-8421 VIEW IN GOOGLE MAPS.