artist’s Note
What Do You Do with a Voice Like That? takes us on the journey of Barbara Jordan’s self-discovery—a journey most of us must eventually make. What do you do with your ability to draw or paint, to solve
complex mathematical problems, or to style hair or make a great clam chowder? Every one of us has a special something to share with the world. Yet too often we don’t realize how to put our gifts to good use. The story of how Barbara Jordan came to recognize her voice as a powerful tool for justice is uplifting, and illustrating her story was like standing at her side, cheering her on. Even as illness constricted her activities, she charted new paths. Barbara Jordan leaves behind a legacy of courage, intelligence, generosity, faith, and determination that I will draw strength from as I continue to contemplate how to use my own gifts toward a greater good, and I hope readers will be inspired to do the same.
1965 President Johnson signs the Voting Rights Act, which eliminates unfair laws in the South that had prevented African Americans from voting. The law requires seven states with histories of discriminating against Black voters to get permission before making changes to voting laws or electoral districts. Early 1980s While keeping details about her health private, Barbara switches to a walker and then a wheelchair to help her get around.
1966–67 In November 1966, Barbara wins election to the Texas Senate. She becomes the first African American woman ever in the Texas legislature. The thirty other state senators are all white men. During the 1967 legislative session, Barbara is invited to the White House to discuss civil rights with President Johnson. They become friends.
1968–69 In November 1968, Barbara is reelected to a four-year term. President Johnson is succeeded by Republican Richard Nixon. In the 1969 legislative session Barbara sponsors successful bills increasing compensation for injured workers and establishing
1972 On June 17, five men working on behalf of President Nixon’s reelection campaign
1973 On the advice of former President Johnson, Barbara seeks and receives an appointment to the House Judiciary Committee. Throughout the year, investigations into the Watergate break-in reveal President Nixon’s efforts to cover up his administration’s wrongdoing. Barbara experiences numbness and tingling in her feet and hands, and weakness in her legs. After she is hospitalized in December, doctors identify multiple sclerosis as the likely cause.
break into the Democratic National Committee’s office at the Watergate building in Washington, DC. In November, Barbara wins a seat in the US House of Representatives. She becomes one of the first two African Americans elected to Congress from the South in seventy years.
a minimum wage for agricultural workers.
On a camping trip with mutual friends, Barbara meets psychologist Nancy Earl, who becomes her lifelong companion.
1988 Barbara nearly drowns after losing consciousness in her swimming pool. News reports about the accident reveal her multiple sclerosis to the public.
1992 Barbara gives a speech at what will be her final Democratic National Convention. She calls for a social and political environment “which is characterized by a devotion to the public interest, public service, tolerance, and love. Love. Love. Love.”
1993–94 Barbara is appointed chair of the bipartisan Commission on Immigration Reform by President Bill Clinton. The commission recommends reducing both legal and illegal immigration by addressing conditions in would-be migrants’ home countries, modernizing systems and regulations, and rigorously enforcing the law. President Clinton awards Barbara the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest award for American civilians.
1996 Barbara plans to begin her eighteenth year of teaching. But on January 17, suffering from multiple sclerosis, leukemia, and pneumonia, she dies in Austin at age 59. “Through the sheer force of the truth she spoke, the poetry of her words, and the power of her voice, Barbara always stirred our national conscience,” President Clinton says at her funeral. “When Barbara Jordan talked, we listened.”
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