Running head: BARBARA JORDAN
The Infamous Ms. Barbara Jordan
Monica Medlock
The SACDC Dentistry Program
Respectfully submitted in partial fulfillment for the requirements of the DEN 2010
Gabrielle Thomas, Instructor
Abstract
Barbara Charline Jordan (February 21, 1936 – January 17, 1996) is the first African American woman to become a Congresswoman for the state of Texas. Barbara Jordan was born in Houston Texas to Benjamin Jordan, a Baptist minister and Arlyn Jordan, a homemaker. Honing in on learned oratorical skills from her father and mother Jordan received the girl of the year award and became a well-known and respected public speaker throughout the state of Texas. Jordan was an American politician from Texas. She served as a congresswoman in the United States House of Representatives from 1973 to 1979.
Barbara Jordan
According to the website Barbara Jordan Biography (n.d-no date), Barbara Charline Jordan (February 21, 1936 – January 17, 1996) was an American politician from Texas. She served as a congresswoman in the United States House of Representatives from 1973 until 1979. Born in Houston, Texas, her parents were Reverend Benjamin, a Baptist minister, and Arlyn Jordan, a housewife. Barbara’s mother was a great orator, but did not pursue a career, and instead devoted herself to being a wife and mother. Barbara recalled that her mother “was the most eloquent, articulate person I ever heard. If she had been a man, she would have been a preacher.”
Barbara’s grandfather, John Ed Patten, introduced her to literature and philosophy and helped her improve her speaking skills. She attended Phyllis Wheatley High School and participated in debates and public speaking engagements. She was the first place winner at the National Ushers Convention Oratorical Contest in Chicago, Illinois. She received the Girl of the Year Award and became a well-known and respected public speaker throughout Texas (Barbara Jordan Biography, n.d)....
