Barbara Jordan: A Clarion Voice

I would be remiss in not mentioning that Barbara Charlene Jordan (1936-1996) was a lawyer, politician, and educator from Texas’ fifth ward. In the context of black women political leadership, however, she was a member of the Texas State Senate, the first black women from Texas in the United States House of Representatives, the first black woman to give a keynote speech at the Democratic National Convention in 1974, a Presidential Medal of Freedom award recipient, the eloquent speaker in the pink suit who invoked the Constitution to rip Richard Nixon to shreds at his impeachment inquiry, the first black woman to be buried in the Texas State Cemetery, and a queer, dark-skinned black woman. 

I chose to conceptualize my understanding of black women leaders through Barbara Jordan’s example for several reasons: First, because she was a lawyer. I’m considering going into the profession and I wanted to see what that looked like. Second, because like me, she is introverted, but unlike me, she wore it proudly. Third, because I had never heard of her in my entire life and wanted to know why. And lastly, as I find myself to be particularly meek, I was drawn to her unflinching attack on Nixon and her role in his impeachment.  I hope to also one day use my talents to take down powerful white men. Although I drew my own critiques on her approach, there was so much to influence to draw from. There were so many hidden gems along the way, including gaining a queer role model (no matter her closeted status).

If anything, I learned about political relationships as a survival method, a method of mobility in the political world and how they matter so much more for women. I also became aware that formal oratory technique can be an impactful skill in the lives of politicians.  Lastly, I witnessed that unshakeable confidence and grit could get you all the way to the White House. Is this new information? No. Yet, in the context of Ex-Representative Jordan’s life story, it somehow made or sense to me and was more compelling, less hollow. 

Thank you for listening!