Barbara Jordan: American Hero

In Barbara Jordan: American Hero, Mary Beth Rogers defines a hero as someone who “breaks through.” Barbara Jordan broke through many barriers in her life. She was the first African-American to be elected to the Texas state senate following the reconstruction years. She broke through the discriminations of a man-dominated profession, and she broke through her own pain and suffering. Barbara wasn’t a martyr; the only titles she would accept for herself were patriot, …

…people who are less fortunate or discriminated against. Barbara was not a martyr. She never stopped doing the things she wanted to because of her color, gender, or physical disabilities. Although I am impressed by her strength and determination to not let her illness interfere with her life, and to go on as if nothing was wrong, I am saddened by the fact she didn’t look for more strength in her friends and family.