Who is Barbara Jordan? Barbara Jordan was born on February 21, 1936, in Houston, Texas. She was raised by Benjamin Jordan who was a Baptist minister and warehouse clerk and her mother Arlyne was a maid, housewife and church teacher. Barbara Jordan grew up poor and always worked hard for what she earned. Barbara was always encouraged by her parents to get good grades. Jordan attended Phyllis Wheatley High School, she was inspired to be a attorney because of Edith Sampson Speech. Barbara attended a all black college called Texas Southern University. Jordan joined the debate team and helped lead it to national renown. The team famously tied Harvard’s debaters when they came to Houston. Barbara graduated with great degrees and diplomas and we accepted
