When I was 14, I sat with my grandmother to watch Texas Congresswoman Barbara Jordan deliver her keynote speech at the 1976 Democratic National Convention. This speech made a big impact on me, and her words still ring true. Her powerful voice urged Americans to come together, to be hopeful, to build national community. She said, “…a spirit of harmony will survive in America only if each of us remembers that we share a common destiny; if each of us remembers, when self-interest and bitterness seem to prevail, that we share a common destiny.” During her time at the Texas State Legislature and in Washington D.C., Representative Jordan worked on legislation establishing a minimum wage law, promoting women’s rights, and creating financial opportunities for minorities.
Four years later when I was starting college in 1980, Houston voters elected women to city council for the first time, including Eleanor Tinsley. Ms. Tinsley’s work ethic and commitment to improving the quality of life for all Houstonians provide a great example for me in my current role. Council Member Tinsley, a dedicated school integration advocate during her time on the Houston Independent School Board, continued her civil rights advocacy once elected to Houston city council. She also founded the successful SPARK program which has built over 200 community parks at area schools since 1983.
I have been inspired by these two women – not just due to their roles as trailblazers and the firsts they achieved, but their evident passion for public service.