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May 1, 2001
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With an image of Barbara Jordan behind her, U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee spoke about the value of diversity in higher education and called Jordan a "true Texas unifier." Photo by UT Office of Public Affairs/Marsha Miller |
The fifth annual Barbara Jordan Memorial Forum on Diversity in Public Policy was held at the LBJ School in February to commemorate the legacy of the well-known educator and public servant. Called "Teaching America: Education, Empowerment, Ethics," the event also was a celebration of Black History Month.
According to a letter sent to members of the LBJ School community by forum committee co-chairs Angela Hernandez and Mark Sanford, the theme of the event embodied "the very core of Jordan's beliefs and her life's work."
"Over the past four years, the forum has served as a venue to discuss critical policy issues and emphasize the value of diversity in formulating effective public policies," the organizers said. "In addition, this event has been instrumental in ensuring that the LBJ School of Public Affairs maintains a diverse student body reflective of American society."
As had been done in the past, forum organizers targeted students interested in learning more about the intricacies of public service and graduate education and invited undergraduates from Texas and other states to participate in the event. States represented at the event were Alaska, California, Colorado, Illinois, Louisiana, and Missouri.
The forum, which began in 1997, a year after LBJ School Professor Barbara Jordan died, has gained momentum over the years. This year it involved many LBJ School and UT Austin organizations as well as a number of local groups.
Among the LBJ School groups involved in the event were the Austin chapter of the LBJ School Alumni Association; the Graduate Public Affairs Council; the Office of Student and Alumni Programs; the Office of the Dean; Policy, Women, and Resources; Public Affairs Alliance for Communities of Color; and the LBJ School 30th Anniversary Committee.
This year's program included an evening with Luci Baines Johnson, who described the close relationship between Jordan and her father; two keynote addresses; a career fair; campus tours; an alumni reception; and workshops led by LBJ School professors for those interested in pursuing a master's or doctoral degree in public policy.
U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, who occupies the seat once held by Jordan, and Texas State Representative Sylvester Turner, gave the keynote addresses. Other participants included former Texas Lieutenant Governor Bill Hobby, former U.S. Social Security Commissioner Kenneth Apfel, Texas State Senator Rodney Ellis, and Texas Southern University Professor Thomas Freeman, who is regarded as one of Jordan's most influential mentors.
Funding was provided by the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum, Public Strategies, Texas Instruments, Texas Southern University (Barbara Jordan Archives), the University of Texas Ex-Students' Association, Wheatsville Food Co-op, and numerous LBJ School and UT Austin groups and organizations.
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Barbara Jordan Forum organizers Angela Hernandez (second from right) and Mark Sanford (right) greet Luci Baines Johnson. Also pictured is Dean Ed Dorn. Photo by Mark Rutkowski/University Photography Services |
