Date of Birth: August 15, 1935
Zodiac Sign: Leo
Date of Death: March 1, 2021
Biography
Vernon Eulion Jordan Jr. was a prominent American business executive and civil rights activist. Born on August 15, 1935, in Atlanta, Georgia, Jordan was an influential figure in politics, civil rights, and business. He graduated from DePauw University in 1957 and later earned a law degree from Howard University School of Law in 1960. Jordan began his career working for civil rights organizations, including the NAACP and the Southern Regional Council. In 1970, he became the executive director of the United Negro College Fund, and a year later, he was appointed president of the National Urban League, where he worked to support economic and social justice for African Americans. Jordan transitioned into the business world in the 1980s, joining the law firm of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld as a senior partner and serving on the boards of several major corporations, including American Express, J.C. Penney, and Xerox. He was also a close advisor to President Bill Clinton during his administration. Jordan’s legacy is marked by his dedication to civil rights and his ability to bridge the gap between business and social justice.
5 Interesting Facts about Vernon Jordan
1. Vernon Jordan survived an assassination attempt in 1980 when he was shot by a white supremacist in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
2. He was the first African American to be elected to the board of directors of the American Bar Association.
3. Jordan was a member of the Bilderberg Group, an annual private conference of influential people in politics, business, and media.
4. He received the Spingarn Medal from the NAACP in 2001, recognizing his outstanding achievements.
5. Jordan was a key figure in the civil rights movement, often working behind the scenes to influence policy and support leaders.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Vernon Jordan
1. “You are where you are today because you stand on somebody’s shoulders.”
2. “We must face the challenge of racial injustice head-on with courage and persistence.”
3. “Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome.”
4. “Civil rights are not just a black issue, they’re an American issue.”
5. “Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
The highest net worth achieved by Vernon Jordan was estimated to be around $12 million.
Children
Vernon Jordan had one daughter, Vickee Jordan Adams, who has pursued a career in corporate communications.
Relevant Links
1. [Biography on Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Vernon-Jordan
2. [Vernon Jordan Obituary on NYTimes](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/02/us/vernon-jordan-dead.html
3. [National Urban League](https://nul.org/
5. [Spingarn Medal Recipients](https://naacp.org/find-resources/history-explained/spingarn-medal
