Barbara Jordan, was born February 21, 1936, in a predominantly
Black low-income section of Houston. She went on to become a
lawyer and political figure, achieving a series of "firsts" in
her career. The Texas Democrat became the first Black to be
elected to the Texas Senate since 1883 - and was also the first
woman to be elected to that office. She held that post from 1966
to 1972. Elected Texas Senate President Pro Tempore in 1972, she
became the first woman ever to preside over the legislative
chamber. Jordan graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. degree in
history and political science from Texas Southern University. She
earned a law degree from Boston University and returned to
Houston to practice law before going into public service.