The Body of Christ is made of many parts, and people experience their understanding of God in many different ways. On this blog, we'll consider the beliefs and activities of congregations, denominations and different religions.
Thursday, March 4, 2021
TCR Breaking News: Death of Civil Rights Activist and AME Church Member Vernon E. Jordan, Jr. (1935-2021)
TCR Breaking News: Death of Civil Rights Activist and AME Church Member Vernon E. Jordan, Jr. (1935-2021)
Lawyer and Washington power broker Vernon Eulion Jordan, Jr. was born on August 15, 1935, in Atlanta. Graduating with honors from David T. Howard High School in 1953, he went on to attend DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, where he was the only African American student in his class. At DePauw, Jordan participated in the student senate, won statewide honors in speaking competitions, played basketball, and graduated in 1957. He then entered Howard University School of Law, receiving his J.D. in 1960.
Jordan returned to Atlanta starting his legal career working with the civil rights movement. In 1961, he helped organize the integration of the University of Georgia and personally escorted student Charlayne Hunter through a hostile white crowd. Over the next ten years, Jordan held various positions as a civil rights advocate. He served as the Georgia field secretary for the NAACP; director of the Voter Education Project for the Southern Regional Council; head of the United Negro College Fund; and as a delegate to President Lyndon B. Johnson’s White House Conference on Civil Rights.
In 1971, Jordan was appointed president and CEO of the National Urban League, where he spearheaded the organization’s growth. On May 29, 1980, a white supremacist attempted to kill Jordan. After a successful recuperation, in 1981 Jordan resigned from the National Urban League to take a position as legal counsel with the Washington, D.C. office of the law firm of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer, and Feld. His active practice included corporate, legislative, and international clients. Jordan's close friend was former President Bill Clinton and during Clinton's presidency, Jordan became one of Washington’s most influential power brokers.
Jordan has received numerous awards and honors for his work, including the Alexis de Tocqueville Award from the United Way of America in 1977 for his dedication to volunteerism. In 2001, Jordan published his autobiography, Vernon Can Read! to widespread praise. He also authored a weekly newspaper column syndicated to more than 300 newspapers and served as a frequent television guest and commentator. Jordan was active on various corporate boards and had various presidential appointments.
Jordan was a lifelong member of the AME Church and at the time of his death was a member of Metropolitan AME Church in Washington, DC. He gave the keynote address at the 1976 General Conference and was the master of ceremonies at the formal unveiling of the Richard Allen postage stamp at Mother Bethel on February 2, 2016.
Jordan died on March 1, 2021. He is survived by his wife, Ann, their children, and grandchildren.
The Christian Recorder is the official newspaper of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the oldest continuously produced publication by persons of African descent.
Bishop Vashti M. McKenzie, Chair of the General Board Commission on Publications Rev. Dr. Roderick D. Belin, President/Publisher of the AME Sunday School Union Mr. John Thomas III, Editor of The Christian Recorder
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