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Lawyer, Educator, and Politician

Barbara Jordan has distinguished herself in a number of fields, but at the peak of her popularity, chose to invest herself in preparing others to lead the country. Her story can serve as an inspiration to all.
Born in Houston, Jordan attended schools in Texas. In 1956, she graduated with honors from Texas Southern University. She studied law at Boston University, graduating in 1959. That year, she was admitted to the bar in both Massachusetts and Texas.

Jordan began her legal career as an administrative assistant to a judge in Texas in 1959. She served in that capacity until she was elected to the Texas State Senate in 1966. After six years as a state senator, she won a seat in the United States House of Representatives. She was the first black congresswoman to be elected by voters of a state in the Deep South.

As a member of the House, Jordan filled a number of key committee positions. In 1974, she was acclaimed throughout the United States. That year, during the congressional hearings concerning the possible impeachment of President Richard M. Nixon, she made an impassioned speech that was televised nationwide. Her eloquence propelled her to a position of prominence. At the 1976 Democratic convention, she gave the keynote address and set the tone for the entire proceedings.

Barbara Jordan decided against running for a fourth term in Congress, though she could easily have won the seat. Believing that she could have a greater impact on national policy by training others, she accepted a position as a professor at the University of Texas. There, she began teaching political ethics and intergovernmental relations. As an educator, she has had the opportunity to pass her commitment to excellence in government along to others.

FLASH-FACTS

Gave the keynote address at the 1976 Democratic convention
Was the first black woman from the Deep South to be elected to the House of Representatives
Left public office to teach college students