Students at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin will pay tribute to the life and legacy of former congresswoman, distinguished public servant and teacher Barbara Jordan during the 24th annual Barbara Jordan National Forum, Feb. 17–21, 2020.
Inclusion and social justice are central to this year's signature, student-led weeklong program, whose theme, "We, the People," is inspired by Jordan's words:
"I felt somehow for many years that George Washington and Alexander Hamilton just left me out by mistake. But through the process of amendment, interpretation, and court decision I have finally been included in We, the people."
Confirmed participants include: Jehmu Greene, Angela and June Provost, and Austin Mayor Pro Tem Delia Garza.
Schedule of Events
Feb. 15–Feb. 22
The Barbara Jordan Freedom Foundation is displaying an interactive exhibit of Barbara Jordan's life at the Texas Capitol.
Monday, Feb. 17
Event: "Community Outreach with the Weird City Sisters" — REGISTER TO ATTEND
Hosts: Pride Policy Alliance
Location: 3.122, LBJ School of Public Affairs
Time: 12:15–1:30 p.m.
Details: Please join LBJ's Pride Policy Alliance for a discussion with The Weird City Sisters of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. The Weird City Sisters are proponents of community networking to make community outreach as effective as possible. We proudly host this organization, recognizing them as leaders who work towards health, well-being and equity for the queer community in Austin. In addition to their work in harm reduction, the Weird Sisters support organizations like AIDS Services of Austin, OutYouth, and KindClinic. Their work with these organizations helps provide access to services to groups of people who otherwise would not have access. Join us for an in-depth conversation about the challenges, needs, and joys of serving the queer community in Austin. A light lunch will be served.
Tuesday, Feb. 18
Dr. Peniel Joseph, founding director of the Center for the Study of Race and Democracy at The University of Texas at Austin and Barbara Jordan Chair in Ethics and Political Values at the LBJ School of Public Affairs, will participate in a special media preview as the media representative of the Barbara Jordan exhibit on Tuesday, Feb. 18.
Tuesday, Feb. 18
Event: "Barbara Jordan's Legacy" — REGISTER TO ATTEND
Host: Policy Alliance for Communities of Color (PACC)
Guests:
- Dr. Peniel Joseph, Barbara Jordan Chair in Ethics and Political Values; professor of public affairs
- Dr. Edwin Dorn, professor of public affairs; former dean, LBJ School
Details: Join us for a conversation with Dr. Peniel Joseph and Dr. Edwin Dorn on the legacy of Barbara Jordan. We will be discussing her activism during the Civil Rights Movement, her relationship with President Lyndon B. Johnson and her leadership here at the LBJ School.
Lunch will be provided.
Location: 3.122, LBJ School of Public Affairs
Time: 12:30–1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 19
Event: "The Legacy of Black Land Ownership" — REGISTER TO ATTEND
Host: The LBJ School of Public Affairs
Guests: Angela Provost and June Provost, Provost Farm @cultivateequity @AngProvostFarms
Moderator: Austin community leader Terri Broussard Williams
Location: 3.124, LBJ School
Time: 5:15–6:45 p.m.
Details: Angela Provost and her family are farmers in Louisiana who can trace the family line to generations of enslaved workers on Louisiana's sugar cane plantations. Learn more about the Provosts on the New York Times' "1619" podcast:
Thursday, Feb. 20
Event: "We the People" keynote — REGISTER TO ATTEND
Hosts: LBJ School
Guest: Jehmu Greene, TV commentator, social justice advocate and former president of Rock the Vote
Greene is a child of former undocumented immigrants, a community organizer, a media strategist and a proud Texan. She's also a visionary social justice advocate and authentic political commentator who is out to disrupt politics with thoughtful, provocative insight through speaking and writing. @Jehmu
Location: South Lobby, LBJ School of Public Affairs
Time: 12:15–1:30 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 21
Event: LBJ School students participate in annual Barbara Jordan Day
Speaker: Austin Mayor Pro Tem Delia Garza
Location: Barbara Jordan Elementary School, 6711 Johnny Morris Rd., Austin, TX 78724
Closed to the public.
Media contact:
Susan Binford, susan.binford@austin.utexas.edu