Honoring a Legend: Houston Celebrates Barbara Jordan with Plaza and Monument Unveiling

Francis Page Jr. | 12/6/2023, 10:56 a.m.
In a moving tribute to a local and national heroine, the heart of Houston pulsated with pride as the Down- …
Jerome D. Love - Founder, President and CEO - Texas Black Expo

In a moving tribute to a local and national heroine, the heart of Houston pulsated with pride as the Down- town Houston+ and POST Houston unveiled the Barbara Jordan Plaza and the stirring “I am Barbara Jordan” monument on Saturday. Esteemed Mayor Sylvester Turner and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee led the ceremony alongside fellow dignitaries, celebrating Barbara Jordan's immeasurable contributions to the spirit of Houston and the nation's legislative history.

The renamed POST Front Pla- za now carries the legacy of Barbara Jordan, the trailblazing Houstonian and venerated U.S. congresswoman. Kris Larson, president and CEO of Down- town Houston+, expressed the city's honor in immortalizing her profound impact, “Barbara Jordan's remarkable journey from the Fifth Ward to the halls of Congress is a narrative of courage and resilience. This plaza and its monument stand as a testament to her indelible mark on our city's narrative.”

The dedication ceremony was punctuated with poignant reflections on Jordan's life, her ceaseless advocacy for civil rights, and her pioneering role as the first African American female from the Deep South elected to the U.S. Con- gress. Performances by spoken word artist Outspoken Bean and the Texas Southern University Debate Team, Jordan’s alma mater, enriched the event, along with moving tributes by Mayor Turner and Congresswoman Jackson Lee.

Kirby Liu of Lovett Commercial highlighted POST Houston's commitment to Barbara Jordan's vision, "We're not just preserving history; we're propagating Barbara Jordan's enduring values through the newly christened Barbara Jordan Plaza.”

The ceremony's crescendo was the unveiling of the “I Am Barbara Jordan” monument, a bronze sculpture by local artist Angelbert Metoyer, encapsulating Jordan’s ideals of liberty and justice. An artist talk featuring Metoyer, Jamal Cyrus, and Dr. Alvia Wardlaw gave attendees an intimate glimpse into the monument's conception and Jordan's inspirational life.

Angelbert Metoyer reflected on his work: “Creating this sculpture was a profound experience. It channels Barbara Jordan's spirit and her relentless pursuit of liberty, inviting onlookers to engage with her legacy.”

This historic event marks another chapter in Houston's celebration of its heroes. For more details, visit POST Houston's Barbara Jordan tribute page.