Essence Essay 1 
Barbara Charline Jordan
1936-1996
By:
Essence Rogers
Mr. White
US History
Barbara Charline Jordan was the first African American congresswoman from the South. Born February 21, 1936 in Houston, Texas was the youngest of three daughters in a close knit family. She attended Roberson Elementary School and Phyllis Wheatley High School. Her father, Benjamin Jordan was a Baptist minister who taught her a love of family, faith, music and language. Her mother, Arlyne Jordan was a domestic worker. Barbara was darker than her two sisters (Bennie and Rose Mary) and because of this her father pushed her to succeed. As a young child she learned that the degree of blackness for a black child mattered. Growing up in the Fifth Ward of Houston, Texas it mattered at home it mattered and would hit her hard once she entered the all-black Phyllis Wheatley High School in the 50’s. As a child she studied piano but by time she was eleven quit her piano lessons. This angered her farther who believed that the only good job for a black woman at that time music teacher. Barbara explained that she wanted to be something different. Her sisters however, would continue and become music teachers. Barbara knew she was special at an early age and became comfortable with herself thinking “If someone does not like you because of the color of your skin then they are just stupid people and don’t have time to deal with them”. While attending high school she encountered racism from other blacks who were of lighter skinned including teachers who were color struck. The lighter skinned students were given the honors, awards and the opportunities for college and jobs, but Barbara was determined to not let that stop her. She did not know by the time she was in high school what she wanted to be. After hearing a black woman lawyer speak in high school, she decided she wanted to become a lawyer. She became a member of the honor society and became an excellent debater graduating
1936-1996
By:
Essence Rogers
Mr. White
US History
Barbara Charline Jordan was the first African American congresswoman from the South. Born February 21, 1936 in Houston, Texas was the youngest of three daughters in a close knit family. She attended Roberson Elementary School and Phyllis Wheatley High School. Her father, Benjamin Jordan was a Baptist minister who taught her a love of family, faith, music and language. Her mother, Arlyne Jordan was a domestic worker. Barbara was darker than her two sisters (Bennie and Rose Mary) and because of this her father pushed her to succeed. As a young child she learned that the degree of blackness for a black child mattered. Growing up in the Fifth Ward of Houston, Texas it mattered at home it mattered and would hit her hard once she entered the all-black Phyllis Wheatley High School in the 50’s. As a child she studied piano but by time she was eleven quit her piano lessons. This angered her farther who believed that the only good job for a black woman at that time music teacher. Barbara explained that she wanted to be something different. Her sisters however, would continue and become music teachers. Barbara knew she was special at an early age and became comfortable with herself thinking “If someone does not like you because of the color of your skin then they are just stupid people and don’t have time to deal with them”. While attending high school she encountered racism from other blacks who were of lighter skinned including teachers who were color struck. The lighter skinned students were given the honors, awards and the opportunities for college and jobs, but Barbara was determined to not let that stop her. She did not know by the time she was in high school what she wanted to be. After hearing a black woman lawyer speak in high school, she decided she wanted to become a lawyer. She became a member of the honor society and became an excellent debater graduating