Notable Texans part One
In an effort to comfort me, both Mrs. T and Melanie mentioned some Texans who have made the world a better place. I can only say, amen, sisters.
Here's one who makes me prouder than I can say.
"Who then will speak for America? Who then will speak for the common good?"
Barbara Jordon (1936-1996) was born in Houston Texas' West End. She became a state legislator in 1966, served as president of the "ledge," became a congresswoman, gained some notoriety during the Watergate hearings, and gave the key note address at the Democratic National Convention in 1976. I was a junior in High School at the time. I remember her voice. I remember her words. I remember that we hoped that Jimmy Carter would choose Jordon as his running mate. I remember people talking about how it might someday be possible for a woman to become president. I remember thinking that it might one day be possible for an African American to be president.
She served until 1979, when multiple sclerosis caused her to retire (although she kept her illness as secret as possible). She taught political science at the University of Texas after her retirement.
Jordon gave the key note at the 1992 convention as well, and was thought to be on the short list for a nomination to the Supreme Court, but Bill Clinton did not nominate her because of her poor health.
Jordon is remembered as a woman of great courage and conviction. She is also remembered as one of the best orators of the twentieth century. This link has the full text of her 1976 key note. I urge you to listen to it rather than read it. She was amazing.
Oh, and one more thing. In my little bit of research this morning, I found out that Jordon had a companion of over twenty years, Nancy Earl, who is often trivialized or totally ignored in biographies of the great woman.
Here's one who makes me prouder than I can say.
"Who then will speak for America? Who then will speak for the common good?"
She served until 1979, when multiple sclerosis caused her to retire (although she kept her illness as secret as possible). She taught political science at the University of Texas after her retirement.
Jordon gave the key note at the 1992 convention as well, and was thought to be on the short list for a nomination to the Supreme Court, but Bill Clinton did not nominate her because of her poor health.
Jordon is remembered as a woman of great courage and conviction. She is also remembered as one of the best orators of the twentieth century. This link has the full text of her 1976 key note. I urge you to listen to it rather than read it. She was amazing.
Oh, and one more thing. In my little bit of research this morning, I found out that Jordon had a companion of over twenty years, Nancy Earl, who is often trivialized or totally ignored in biographies of the great woman.
Comments
I profiled Jordan a while back, too.
Good pick and great post. :)
Julie
Using My Words
Man, wouldn't that have been cool if Carter had her for VP?
I think America, alas, is still pretty afraid to have a woman in the White House, if she's not First Lady.
I'm hoping you'll be paying tribute to to two of my other favorite: Ann Richards and Molly Ivans.
I'm so glad to be able to introduce you to one of my favorite people. I hope you're wrong about our ability to elect someone who is not a white male--we'll see soon enough, I guess.
Mrs. G,
I've had goose bumps all year. I can't wait to see what happens. And Yes, Ann Richards and Molly Ivans are two of my texas goddesses and will be profiled--I promise.
In my Girl Scout troop, we're learning about women in history and today, and their personal and career choices. I've spoken with so many women today who have said that learning about some woman who stepped out from stereotypical gender roles and careers and made her own history, made all the difference in their lives as young girls, personally, professionally, and beyond. Even in the choice to follow some more typically and culturally gender-associated path, the knowledge that there is room for pushing the historically and culturally set boundaries made the choice their own and something beyond "this is what girls do...and don't do."
Nice chatting today, kitten. big hug.