U.S. Black History Month: Barbara Jordan Barbara Jordan was a lawyer, legislator, and orator whose courage helped shape modern American democracy. Born on February 21, 1936, in Houston, Texas, she became the first Black woman elected to the Texas Senate since Reconstruction and later the first Southern Black woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where she gained national recognition during the Watergate hearings for her powerful defense of the Constitution and the rule of law. Renowned for her integrity, eloquence, and unwavering commitment to justice, Jordan championed civil rights, voting rights, and ethical leadership throughout her career before she died on January 17, 1996. Honoring Barbara Jordan during U.S. Black History Month recognizes not only her historic firsts, but her lasting impact as a leader who showed how principle, courage, and faith in democracy can move a nation forward. To see more coverage, click the link in our bio. l #GettyImages 📷: ABC Photo A...