I was privileged this morning to be a guest speaker at the Barbara Jordan birthday celebration at Jordan Elementary School. Barbara Jordan is one of my personal heroes, and it was wonderful to join this community in celebrating her life and legacy.
First, Barbara Jordan believed in the power and importance of education. Second, she overcame obstacles that were put in front of her, especially during the time of segregation. Third, she was a trailblazer (the first African American woman in the Texas Senate and the first African American woman elected to the U.S. Congress from the south). And fourth, she proved that she could make big changes for her state, our country, and the world.
It's people like Barbara Jordan — brave trailblazers of all races and backgrounds — who made it possible for me to be the first minority, first African American, and first woman to serve as the superintendent in Austin. And, for that, I am extremely honored and grateful.
When I looked out at the students of Barbara Jordan Elementary School, I saw a sea of future leaders for our country. I want our students to be inspired by Barbara Jordan to continue education through college, overcome obstacles, blaze new trails for the success of our community and our country, and be brave and brilliant in standing up for what is right to make this a better world.
I want to thank a current day trailblazer and leader, Principal Diana Vallejo, for inviting me, and I salute the events program committee which put together an inspiring program.
Dr. Freddie Dixon, retired minister and community leader, was the lead guest speaker who posed to the children an important question, "What is your wish for you?" He told them stories about Barbara Jordan's young life and how her actions changed history. First he said, "be like Barbara Jordan and believe in yourself." Then he said to practice, practice, practice, and don't be afraid to fail. He recounted setbacks Ms. Jordan had had in life, but also that she always got right back up and continued to work to achieve her goals. Her life philosophy was simple, Dr. Dixon said — "Set your sights and go do it." Certainly Dr. Dixon's own lifetime of service to the community mirrors Ms. Jordan's dedication.
In honor of the special occasion, and as a thank you for being guest speakers, the principal let us sit at Barbara Jordan's piano for a photo. I got to touch the keys that her hands played beautiful music on. Did you know her favorite song was
This Little Light of Mine? The whole school sang it at the end of the program. Well, not at the very end...we sang
Happy Birthday to her at the very, very end.
Oh, and great news! We also enjoyed an early viewing of a U.S. postal service stamp that will be issued next September. Guess who is on the stamp? Yep, BARBARA JORDAN! Now that's really cool! She is the
2011 Black Heritage stamp honoree, the 34th in the USPS Black Heritage series, and the perfect choice to inspire a young generation of Americans.
Oh, and great news! We also enjoyed an early viewing of a U.S. postal service stamp that will be issued next September. Guess who is on the stamp? Yep, BARBARA JORDAN! Now that's really cool! She is the 2011 Black Heritage stamp honoree, the 34th in the USPS Black Heritage series, and the perfect choice to inspire a young generation of Americans.