March 28, 1972 - Barbara wins the Democratic primary for the U.S. Congressional race

On March 28, 1972, Jordan’s peers elected her president pro tempore of the Texas senate, making her the first Black woman in America to preside over a legislative body. In seconding the nomination, one of Jordan’s male colleagues on the other side of the chamber stood, spread his arms open, and said, “What can I say? Black is beautiful.”3

Source: history.house.gov

3Richard Fenno, Going Home: Black Representatives and Their Constituents (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2003): 106–109.

About Barbara Jordan Freedom Foundation

Thank you for your interest in the Barbara Jordan Freedom Foundation and our commitment to fighting injustice. For more information about getting involved or answering questions, please contact us.

Barbara Jordan Freedom Foundation
c/o William B. Hilgers
301 Congress Avenue, Suite 520
Austin, Texas 78701

Phone: 512-476-4716
Fax: 512-322-2010

Email: info@barbarajordanfreedomfoundation.org