About the 29th Barbara Jordan National Forum
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 29th annual Barbara Jordan National Forum (BJNF) throughout the week of February 17 - February 22.
The theme of the 2025 celebration, "Stewardship: Exercise Leadership, Assume Leadership, Create your Future," comes from Barbara Jordan's remarks during the 1994 Texas Union Lecture in Student Leadership. Jordan said, "It is important to understand that even your seemingly incidental ethical choices are setting the patterns of your life.”
The Forum, which is student led and organized, includes a series of lectures and events, the presentation of the Barbara Jordan Public Service award, and a day of volunteerism.
Barbara Jordan National Forum Student Leaders
The week-long forum is organized by LBJ School students elected by their peers to represent the ethical public service leadership and commitment to community that define Barbara Jordan's legacy.
Meet the 2025 Barbara Jordan National Forum student leaders:
Ali Altahafi, MPAff '25
Focus Areas: Immigration, Labor and AI
"[The Barbara Jordan National Forum] means celebrating strength and resilience. Barbara Jordan was a trailblazer and against the odds in this country, she persevered through. It inspires me as an immigrant and a person of color. Professionally, it means taking on collaborations; I loved learning and hearing from my co-chairs and working together to construct our week of celebration. Another thing [the Barbara Jordan National Forum] means is compassion, for my peers and for the people."
Ashley Alvarado, MPAff '25
Focus Areas: Immigration, National Security, and Criminal Justice Reform
"The BJNF has significantly impacted my life personally and professionally. This experience has perpetually challenged me to view the world from different perspectives and prioritize listening and learning from others before speaking. I know that sounds a little peculiar, but I have been able to connect with individuals I would have never been able to if it was not for the BJNF.
My greatest takeaway both personally and professionally is to never cease to satisfy your thirst for knowledge and understanding. I have learned so much from speaking with others who have vastly different experiences than I do. I truly hope that people who attend the forum gain the same experience."
Kennedy Simon, MPAff '25
Focus Areas: Healthcare, Civil Rights, and Criminal Justice Reform
"For me, it’s important to have the BJNF because Barbara Jordan’s life has inspired so many people from all backgrounds. From public figures to her former students, every personal story I’ve heard about Barbara Jordan shows how she was adored by everyone she met. I also appreciate how the BJNF presents a unique opportunity to honor and uplift current leaders who share Barbara Jordan’s values.
Another aspect of the BJNF that I hold close to my heart, is that it takes place during Black History Month. Black History Month is a time to reflect on the contributions and sacrifices Black people have made over centuries in our country. During this time and throughout the year, I am reminded of how important it is to foster community and amplify the stories of Black people."
The Barbara Jordan Legacy
Barbara Jordan taught at the LBJ School of Public Affairs from 1979 to 1996 as the Lyndon B. Johnson Centennial Chair of Public Policy. It was the final chapter of her long career as a public servant, civil rights leader, educator and policymaker who worked tirelessly for social justice and integrity in public service. Her contributions to history and to the education of future change-makers act as a lodestar to the School and its mission.
During the 28th forum, LBJ School proudly debuted a brand new oral history project celebrating the legacy of Barbara Jordan in collaboration with the Drag Audio Production House.
'Remembering Professor Barbara Jordan: An LBJ School Oral History' is a collection of first-hand experiences with the iconic trailblazer, both inside and outside the classroom, as told by her former LBJ students, including professors, attorneys, commissioners, a NASA specialist, and more.
"A great teacher is with you forever….in the beliefs you hold, in the way you think things through and in the actions you take." -DeAnn Friedholm (MPAff ’79)
Join us in remembering the incredible life and legacy of LBJ Professor Barbara Jordan: