Vernon Jordan, a renowned civil rights activist, has died at the age of 85. His daughter issued a statement that read, “He died peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones.”
He played a vital role in desegregating the education sector in the south, especially at the college level. Vernon Jordan devoted his whole life to champion the cause of discrimination against black people. The efforts he has put to fight for people’s rights remain unmatchable. Even the president and CEO of NAACP, Derrick Johnson, mentioned ‘His exemplary life will serve as a guiding light for all those who seek truth and justice for all people’.
A native of Atlanta, he attended DePauw University, and later went to Howard University to get his law degree.
In 1970, he became the Head of United Negro College Fund and used his skills to raise $10 million in funds to help historically black institutes and colleges.
Vernon Jordan had a great influence on the Civil Rights Movement. In 1961, he served as the Field Director of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People he literally showed his compassion to address the issue of racism. He once helped escort Charlayne Hunter through a crowd of white protestors at the University of Georgia.
He also headed the transition team of former President Bill Clinton in 1992. He cherished the long-term friendship with them.
One fine example of his generosity could be that he helped with the aid of white protestors outside the Georgia University in 1961.
While reflecting on the impact of the Civil Rights Movement, he remembered watching Nelson Mandela walking out free after serving a 27-year jail term, and Barack Obama, becoming the first black President of the U.S.
