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Black Heritage

Barbara Jordon - Congresswoman, Civil Rights Movement Leader

Collins Cover Announcement 

Barbara Jordan

The life of this accomplished woman can be summed up in on word — "achievement." Barbara was born on February 21, 1936 in Houston, Texas and graduated with academic honors from Phyllis Wheatley High School in 1952. She continued her education at Texas Southern University, majoring in political science and history. While in college, she became a national champion debater defeating opponents from Brown and Yale. She graduated magna cum laude in 1956 and then went on to Boston University School of Law — graduating in 1959.

In 1966 she was elected to the Texas Senate and, as such, became the first African-American state senator since 1883. She served until 1972. Barbara was then elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and quickly rose to prominence as an effective public speaker. She served with distinction on the House Judiciary Committee during the Nixon impeachment hearings. During her years in office, she worked to strengthen civil rights protections and women's rights issues. The congresswoman retired after three terms in office.

After her stint in Washington, Barbara went on to teach at the University of Texas. She became a valued adviser to political leaders and in 1992 gave the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention. In 1994 President Clinton awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Now ready is my individually hand painted First Day Cover honoring a woman who rose to national prominence by hard work, educational excellence, and individual initiative. Congresswoman Barbara Jordan — Collins

#N4901 — 14.00.