Author’s Note
I began work on this book in 2013, and the years since have been tumultuous ones for the United States. In response to the news of the day, I occasionally ask myself, “What would Barbara Jordan do?”
On one side of Barbara Jordan’s tombstone in my home city of Austin, Texas, is the word “Patriot.” The other side says “Teacher.” I am sorry that her years in each role were cut short. How I wish she had lived to become an octogenarian dispensing the pragmatic insight, moral clarity, and vision of a common good that we and our leaders need today. But I am so thankful for the many former students of hers, and for the public servants and regular citizens that they have influenced and inspired. We are better as a nation for the ripples sent out among us by the example that Barbara Jordan set during her lifetime. May we all honor her memory through teaching and patriotism that are ever more informed, involved, and inclusive.
Time Line 1936 Barbara Charline Jordan is born on February 21 in Houston. She is the youngest child of Arlyne (Patten) Jordan and Benjamin Jordan, after sisters Bennie and Rose Mary.
1948–1952 Barbara attends Phillis Wheatley High School. Lawyer Edith Sampson visits Wheatley during Barbara’s sophomore year. Her speech inspires Barbara to become an attorney. The summer after graduation, Barbara wins first place at a national oratorical contest in Chicago.
1952–1956 Barbara attends and graduates from Texas Southern University
1956–1959 Barbara attends law school at Boston University. It is her
1960 Barbara returns to Houston and gets involved in the Democratic presidential campaign of John F. Kennedy. Kennedy wins, and Texan Lyndon B. Johnson becomes vice president.
1962 At age twenty-six, Barbara runs in the Democratic primary for a seat in the Texas House of Representatives. She loses.
1964 Barbara loses a second Democratic primary race for state representative.
in Houston. She competes on the award-winning TSU debate team
first experience in a day-to-day environment in
which most people she encounters are white.
coached by Thomas F. Freeman, who had previously taught Martin Luther King Jr.
1974 The House judiciary committee investigates whether President Nixon should be removed from office for violating the Constitution. On July 25, Barbara’s remarks on the committee’s work (“My faith in the Constitution is whole, it is complete, it is total.”) are seen by millions of television viewers. The committee recommends impeaching the president. Nixon resigns on August 9.
1975 As part of the renewal of the Voting Rights Act, Barbara successfully leads efforts to add Texas to the states that must get approval of changes to election laws and procedures. Because of her, Spanish- speaking voters in Texas—and speakers of various languages in other states—will no longer be restricted by English-only ballots. Barbara and Nancy begin the process of buying property together and having a home built.
1976 Barbara gives the keynote speech at the Democratic National Convention. “A spirit of harmony will survive in America,” she says, “only if each of us remembers that we share a common destiny; if each of us remembers, when self-interest and bitterness seem to prevail, that we share a common destiny. I have confidence that we can form this kind of national community.” Increasingly reliant on using a cane to walk, Barbara is reelected to Congress for a third term.
1977 Barbara announces that she will not run for reelection the following year. When speaking to reporters about her health, she places her privacy ahead of honesty and mentions only “a bum knee.” Barbara says she doesn’t know what’s next for her, but jokes that she won’t be dancing in a Broadway show or playing pro football.
1979 Barbara begins teaching courses in public policy and ethics in government to graduate students at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas.
In November, Barbara is reelected to a second term.
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