Barbara Jordan was a trailblazing African American civil rights leader and politician. Born on February 21, 1936, in Houston, Texas, she became the first African American woman to be elected to the Texas Senate in 1966. In 1972, she made history again by becoming the first African American woman to represent Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Jordan was known for her eloquent speaking style and her unwavering commitment to civil rights and social justice. During her time in Congress, she focused on issues such as healthcare, voting rights, and equality for all Americans. She gained national prominence for her impassioned speech during the Watergate hearings in 1974, where she called for the impeachment of President Richard Nixon.

After leaving Congress, Jordan continued to be a vocal advocate for civil rights and served as a professor at the University of Texas at Austin. She received numerous honors and awards for her contributions to American society and remains a pioneering figure in Black history. Barbara Jordan passed away on January 17, 1996, but her legacy as a champion for equality and justice lives on.