On November 7, 1972, Barbara Jordan was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, becoming the first African American woman from a Southern state to serve in Congress.  Representing Texas’s 18th district, Jordan’s election marked a significant milestone in American politics, as she and Andrew Young of Georgia became the first African Americans elected to Congress from the Deep South since Reconstruction.

Prior to her congressional tenure, Jordan made history in the Texas Senate, becoming the first African American state senator since 1883 and the first Black woman elected to the Texas state legislature.  During her time in the Texas Senate, she was known for her legislative effectiveness, including the passage of the state’s first minimum wage law and anti-discrimination clauses in business contracts.

In Congress, Jordan continued her trailblazing path, gaining national attention for her role on the House Judiciary Committee during the impeachment hearings of President Richard Nixon. Her eloquent defense of the Constitution during these hearings solidified her reputation as a powerful orator and a steadfast advocate for justice.

Jordan’s legacy continues to inspire, symbolizing resilience, dedication, and the ongoing fight for equality in American politics.