Barbara Jordan

Born: 1936 Houston, Texas.

Died: 1996

Before politics, she was a teacher & lawyer.

Was the first African American congress woman to come from the deep south and 1st woman elected to the Texas Senate.

Helped pass Texas’ 1st minimum wage law.

Made national spotlight during Watergate scandal as House Judiciary member.

In 1992, despite being in poor health, she gave powerful speech at Democratic National Convention, rallying crowd.

Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Said: “We, as human beings, must be willing to accept people who are different from ourselves.”