In 1966, Barbara Jordan became the first black woman elected to the United States Congress. A groundbreaking African-American politician, Barbara Jordan worked hard to achieve her dreams. She grew up in a poor black neighborhood in Houston, Texas. The daughter of a Baptist minister, Jordan was encouraged by her parents to strive for academic excellence. Her gift for language and building arguments was apparent in high school, where she was an award-winning debater and orator.
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Texas's 18th district | |
|---|---|
| In office January 3, 1973 – January 3, 1979 |
|
| Preceded by | Bob Price |
| Succeeded by | Mickey Leland |
| Member of the Texas Senate from the 11th district | |
| In office January 10, 1967 – January 3, 1973 |
|
| Preceded by | Bill Moore |
| Succeeded by | Chet Brooks |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Barbara Charline Jordan February 21, 1936 Houston, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | January 17, 1996 (aged 59) Austin, Texas, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Domestic partner | Nancy Earl (late 1960s–1996) |
| Education | Texas Southern University (BA) Boston University (LLB) |
She was best known for her eloquent opening statement at the House Judiciary Committee hearings during the impeachment process against Richard Nixon, and as the first African American as well as the first woman to deliver a keynote address at a Democratic National Convention. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, among numerous other honors. She was a member of the Peabody Awards Board of Jurors from 1978 to 1980. She was the first African American woman to be buried in the Texas State Cemetery.
Barbara Jordan 
Barbara Jordan - Statement on Impeachment MP3
