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More than a statue: The story of Barbara Jordan

Jordan's political calm and ethical focus changed Texas history.

AUSTIN, Texas — Black History Month is a time to look back at the Black Americans who changed our world for the better. One name you'll hear a lot in Austin, year-round, is Barbara Jordan. 

In the chaos of an airport, there is a calm. Sitting just outside the baggage claim at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport's Barbara Jordan Terminal is a statue of Jordan herself. 

Millions have passed by the ropes, but many may not know Jordan's story.

Jordan was a Texan who grew up in poverty in the 1940s. But she worked her way through law school and, in 1960, discovered her love for politics. 

"No more standing aside," she said in an interview later in her life.

Credit: KVUE
Barbara Jordan Statue at the baggage claim at Austin's airport

RELATED: Notable landmarks that tell the story of Austin's Black history

In 1966, she ran for the Texas Senate, for a seat no Black Texan had held since the 1800s.

Until Jordan, that is. She overcame what she described as "those so-called handicaps that people are supposed to have."

After making history in Texas, she moved on to the U.S. House. Her first task was historic: the impeachment hearing for President Richard Nixon. 

"The saddest vote I cast in my political life," she said. 

Jordan was asked to give one of the opening statements – on national television, in primetime.

"I am not going to sit here," she said in her speech, “and be an idle spectator to the subversion, the destruction of the Constitution.” 

It was 13 minutes of pure power. She was calm, yet committed to her principles in the middle of chaos. 

"The people [who] govern have got to have clean hands," she later explained.

Credit: United States Postal Service
2011 USPS Stamp honoring Barbara Jordan

RELATED: Building dedicated to Barbara Jordan in the Texas Capitol Complex

Jordan retired from politics in the late 1970s and joined the faculty at the University of Texas at Austin. In 1994, she was awarded the highest civilian honor: the Presidential Medal of Freedom. 

"You’re beaming," a reporter said to her during an interview.

"Well, of course,” she replied with a smile.

Two years after that interview, Jordan died at age 59.

Today, her name lives on at elementary schools, a state building and on a postage stamp printed in her honor. She has a statue at UT and at the airport, where her likeness sits in the terminal that bares her name.

It stands as a reminder, perhaps, to remain calm and committed in the chaos of life.

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