Texas Southern University recently honored the late great TSU Alumnus Barabara Jordan at a lunch discussion at the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs in the Walter J. McCoyAuditorium.
Special panel guest included Otis King her former debate team member and long time friend, Lestine Leakes her executive assistant of 14 years , and her older sister Rosemary McGowan.
The event honored Barbara Jordan's 75th birthday. The panel relived some of their fondest memories of the Diamond Jubilee. Otis King in particular shared stories of traveling across the country for debate competitions.
"Barbara was the only female traveling with us and she could out drive all the men" King said.
"I was with her at the beginning of her career and I was a pallbearer at her funeral" King said.
Barbara Jordan led an extraordinary career. Pioneering for the little people that did not have a voice.
When asked the question how would Ms. Jordan feel about immigration reform if she were alive Lestine Leakes responed proudly.
"Barbara was a fair person she would have been right their campaigning for immigration rights, she was a joy to work for" Leakes said.
Growing up in a house full of girls, Barbara and her sisters formed a singing group singing Gospel songs and she taught herself to play the guitar.
"My sister was always in the fore front, my father wanted her to become a teacher but she had other plans" McGowan said.
In fact Barbara did teach, she taught social Studies at the University of Texas in Austin. It was one of the most popular classes UT has ever had. The most notable memory is her President Nixon impeachment speech. Known for her powerful voice Barbara Jordan will forever be remembered.
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