VJ

Vernon Jordan

18quotes

Vernon Jordan


Full Name and Common Aliases


Vernon Eulion Jordan Jr.

Birth and Death Dates


August 15, 1935 - December 1, 2021

Nationality and Profession(s)


American Civil Rights Activist, Lawyer, Business Executive

Early Life and Background


Vernon Jordan was born in Atlanta, Georgia, to a sharecropper family. He grew up in a small farmhouse in the rural area of DeKalb County, where his family struggled to make ends meet during the Great Depression. Despite the challenges, Jordan's parents instilled in him a strong sense of self-worth and encouraged his academic pursuits.

Jordan attended Booker T. Washington High School, where he excelled academically and became involved in extracurricular activities such as debate team and student council. He later enrolled at the American Baptist Theological Seminary (now the Atlanta University Center's Interdenominational Theological Center) but eventually transferred to Georgia Tech, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in economics.

Major Accomplishments


Jordan's remarkable career was marked by numerous achievements that helped shape the Civil Rights Movement and beyond. He played key roles in pivotal events such as:

Freedom Rides (1961): Jordan participated in the Freedom Rides, a series of bus rides aimed at testing the enforcement of desegregation laws on public transportation.
 March on Washington (1963): Jordan was part of the planning committee for the historic March on Washington, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech.
NAACP Leadership: Jordan served as Executive Director of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) from 1956 to 1968, playing a crucial role in shaping the organization's strategies and initiatives.

Notable Works or Actions


Jordan's professional career spanned multiple fields, leaving an indelible mark on American society:

Law Practice: Jordan co-founded the law firm Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, where he served as a senior partner for over 30 years.
Business and Finance: He held various positions in the corporate world, including Vice President of Urban Affairs at the National Council on the Arts and Chairman of the board of Delta Air Lines.

Impact and Legacy


Vernon Jordan's unwavering commitment to social justice and equality has inspired countless individuals across generations. His work continues to influence contemporary issues, from voting rights to racial equity:

Civil Rights Pioneer: Jordan was a trailblazer in the Civil Rights Movement, using his leadership skills and strategic thinking to bring about significant changes.
Business Leadership: Through his career in law and business, Jordan demonstrated that African Americans could excel in these fields and make meaningful contributions.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Vernon Jordan's remarkable life and achievements have made him a widely respected figure. His quotes, insights, and experiences offer valuable perspectives on:

Social Justice: Jordan's expertise and leadership on social justice issues have provided guidance for those seeking to create positive change.
* Leadership and Mentorship: He has inspired countless individuals through his mentorship and leadership roles, empowering them to pursue careers in law, business, and civil rights.

Vernon Jordan's legacy serves as a testament to the power of determination, hard work, and dedication. His commitment to creating a more equitable society continues to inspire and motivate people today.

Quotes by Vernon Jordan

You have to be careful how you’re using the word boycott.
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You have to be careful how you’re using the word boycott.
VJ
You’re in love, that’s what your problem is.
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You’re in love, that’s what your problem is.
VJ
You are where you are today because you stand on somebody's shoulders. And wherever you are heading, you cannot get there by yourself. If you stand on the shoulders of others, you have a reciprocal responsibility to live your life so that others may stand on your shoulders. It's the quid pro quo of life. We exist temporarily through what we take, but we live forever through what we give
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You are where you are today because you stand on somebody's shoulders. And wherever you are heading, you cannot get there by yourself. If you stand on the shoulders of others, you have a reciprocal responsibility to live your life so that others may stand on your shoulders. It's the quid pro quo of life. We exist temporarily through what we take, but we live forever through what we give
VJ
#giving
What I know about this world is white people will take care of themselves. And what I have learned is that if you are where they are on an equal basis, they cannot take care of themselves without taking care of you.
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What I know about this world is white people will take care of themselves. And what I have learned is that if you are where they are on an equal basis, they cannot take care of themselves without taking care of you.
VJ
#white
Terrorism is not new to black people.
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Terrorism is not new to black people.
VJ
#black-people
You're in love, that's what your problem is.
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You're in love, that's what your problem is.
VJ
#problem
I want to say absolutely and unequivocally that Ms. Lewinsky told me in no uncertain terms that she did not have a sexual relationship with the president. At no time did I ever say, suggest or intimate to her that she should lie.
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I want to say absolutely and unequivocally that Ms. Lewinsky told me in no uncertain terms that she did not have a sexual relationship with the president. At no time did I ever say, suggest or intimate to her that she should lie.
VJ
#absolutely
Where institutions in corporate America have, in fact, committed, you see the results. And where there is no commitment, the results are bad.
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Where institutions in corporate America have, in fact, committed, you see the results. And where there is no commitment, the results are bad.
VJ
My mother was the president of the PTA at every school I attended.
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My mother was the president of the PTA at every school I attended.
VJ
#mother
September 11 stands on its own as a terrible tragedy.
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September 11 stands on its own as a terrible tragedy.
VJ
#september-11
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