Barbara Jordan Quotes

A collection of quotes by Barbara Jordan.

Barbara Jordan (1936â€“1996) was an American lawyer, politician, and civil rights leader. She was born on February 21, 1936, in Houston, Texas. Despite facing racial discrimination and growing up in a segregated society, Jordan displayed remarkable determination and intellect from an early age.

After graduating from Houston's Wheatley High School as the valedictorian, Jordan attended Texas Southern University. She later pursued law at Boston University, becoming the first African American woman to attend that institution. Following her graduation, she returned to Houston and began her legal career.

In the political arena, Jordan made history in 1966 by becoming the first African American elected to the Texas Senate since Reconstruction, where she represented Houston's 6th district. In 1972, she achieved another significant milestone when she became the first African American woman from the South to be elected to the United States House of Representatives. She served three terms in Congress, during which she strongly advocated for civil rights, social justice, and the expansion of opportunities for marginalized communities.

Barbara Jordan gained widespread recognition for her eloquent speaking skills and captivating personality, demonstrated notably during her keynote address at the 1976 Democratic National Convention. Her powerful oratory style earned her admiration across the nation.

Throughout her career, Jordan left an indelible mark on American politics and civil rights activism, using her voice and influence to champion equality and justice for all. She retired from politics in 1979 and focused on teaching and advocating for public policy until her death on January 17, 1996, at the age of 59. Her legacy as a trailblazer, forceful advocate, and inspirational figure continues to inspire many today.

A nation is formed by the willingness of each of us to share

A nation is formed by the willingness of each of us to share in the responsibility for upholding the common good.

Education remains the key to both economic and political emp

Education remains the key to both economic and political empowerment.

We are a party of innovation. We do not reject our tradition

We are a party of innovation. We do not reject our traditions, but we are willing to adapt to changing circumstances, when change we must. We are willing to suffer the discomfort of change in order to achieve a better future.

What the people want is very simple - they want an America a

What the people want is very simple - they want an America as good as its promise.

What we have to do is strike a balance between the idea that

What we have to do is strike a balance between the idea that government should do everything and the idea, the belief, that government ought to do nothing. Strike a balance.

We have a positive vision of the future founded on the belie

We have a positive vision of the future founded on the belief that the gap between the promise and reality of America can one day be finally closed. We believe that.

Think what a better world it would be if we all, the whole w

Think what a better world it would be if we all, the whole world, had cookies and milk about three o'clock every afternoon and then lay down on our blankets for a nap.

We call ourselves public servants but I'll tell you this: we

We call ourselves public servants but I'll tell you this: we as public servants must set an example for the rest of the nation. It is hypocritical for the public official to admonish and exhort the people to uphold the common good.

We are a people in a quandary about the present. We are a pe

We are a people in a quandary about the present. We are a people in search of our future. We are a people in search of a national community.

A government is invigorated when each of us is willing to pa

A government is invigorated when each of us is willing to participate in shaping the future of this nation.

No bird soars too high, if he soars with his own wings.

No bird soars too high, if he soars with his own wings.

For all of its uncertainty, we cannot flee the future.

For all of its uncertainty, we cannot flee the future.

Do not call for black power or green power. Call for brain p

Do not call for black power or green power. Call for brain power.

We cannot improve on the system of government handed down to

We cannot improve on the system of government handed down to us by the founders of the Republic. There is no way to improve upon that. But what we can do is to find new ways to implement that system and realize our destiny.

Throughout out history, when people have looked for new ways

Throughout out history, when people have looked for new ways to solve their problems, and to uphold the principles of this nation, many times they have turned to political parties. They have often turned to the Democratic Party.

We must not become the new puritans and reject our society.

We must not become the new puritans and reject our society. We must address and master the future together. It can be done if we restore the belief that we share a sense of national community, that we share a common national endeavor. It can be done.