photo by María de la Luz Martínez

In life, Barbara Jordan was often in the spotlight--revered, admired, and emulated by many. She was a living legend.

Shortly after her death, Barbara Jordan was immortalized in countless tributes that applauded her commitment to freedom and integrity. She became an American hero.

Today, four years after her death, Barbara Jordan's spirit--her strict ethical standard, the power of her words, and her ability to overcome barriers--has not been forgotten. She lives on.

Beginning in 1997 four public policy forums have been organized at the LBJ School to commemorate Jordan's life. The first forum, which provided the foundation for subsequent ones, focused on diversity in public policy. The following year, organizers probed deeper and asked the question, "Who will speak for the common good?" Last year, in the continuing wake of the Hopwood v. Texas ruling, forum coordinators tackled the sensitive topic of civil rights and racial reconciliation.

This year's event--organized around the theme "Serve Others, Not Yourself: Mentoring Texas"--was the most ambitious undertaking thus far. A collaborative effort that involved LBJ School students, alumni, faculty, and staff as well as members of the university and Austin communities, it looked at the importance of mentorship in personal and professional development.

Event highlights:

Groups collaborate to organize largest Jordan memorial

Luci Johnson shares memories of LBJ and BJ during forum

Women policymakers discuss importance of participation and ways to diversify system

Comments to lbjwmast@uts.cc.utexas.edu