How Barbara Jordan changed American politics

For two decades, Houstonian Barbara Jordan was a leading presence for the Democratic Party, paving the way for African-American women in Congress. Jordan was the first Black woman in the Texas State Senate and and the first Black Texan in Congress.

Throughout her career, which began when she volunteered for John F. Kennedy’s 1960 presidential campaign, Jordan worked to pass minimum wage laws, women’s rights legislation and the Equal Rights Amendment.

President Lyndon B. Johnson became one of her closest advisors. He appointed her to important positions like the House Judiciary Committee, which she served on during the Watergate hearings.

– Jacqueline Gualtieri, The Houston 100