skip to main contentThe University of Texas at AustinThe Barbara Jordan Historical Essay Competition
Home > About Barbara Jordan > For the Classroom - Learning from Barbara Jordan

Barbara Jordan - Teacher, Patriot, Champion

For the Classroom - Learning from Barbara Jordan

Jordan talking to her students

Barbara Jordan, state senator, congresswoman and teacher, was one of the state of Texas' most influential leaders during the second half of the 20th century. From humble beginnings in Houston's Fifth Ward district to her keynote address at the Democratic National Convention in 1976, at which she nominated Jimmy Carter as her party's presidential candidate, Jordan used extraordinary communication skills and unyielding convictions to help guide her state and nation through some of its most trying times.

Throughout her life, both as a politician and later an educator, Jordan displayed the ability to draw a state and nation closer to fulfilling the promise both hold.

For Discussion:

  1. • Discuss the early activities in Barbara Jordan's life that helped her become an influential lawmaker, social activist and educator.

    2.  

  2. • What activities from Barbara Jordan's life underscore the effect that each individual can have on the American political landscape?

    3.  

  3. • She is truly unique - a rare combination of a true leader and an excellent teacher. Ross Perot in announcing the Barbara Jordan Scholarship.Discuss some of the milestones in Barbara Jordan's life that qualify her as an important figure in achieving racial and gender equality in America.

    4.  

  4. • Discuss how Barbara Jordan exemplified leadership during tough times.

    5.  

  5. • Barbara Jordan is credited with an impressive list of "firsts" in her career. Discuss some of those firsts.

    6.  

  6. • How is the state of Texas and the country as a whole better off because of Barbara Jordan's public service?

    7.  

  7. • During Barbara Jordan's keynote address to the Democratic National Convention in 1976, what were the major concerns she voiced about what was happening in America?

    8.  

  8. • Discuss the different positions Barbara Jordan held that directly affected the lives of the people of Texas?

    9.  

  9. • Discuss the qualities Barbara Jordan possessed that made her a great leader.

    10.  

  10. • Discuss how others viewed Barbara Jordan's service to her state and to her country.

    11.  

 

Images courtesy of the Barbara Jordan Archives, Robert J Terry Library, Texas Southern University