Vernon Jordan, Civil Rights Icon Dies At Age 85
Socialites, we have some unfortunate news to share. Vernon Jordan, a civil rights icon and adviser to former President Bill Clinton, has died.
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The news of his passing was announced by his family. His daughter, Vickee Jordan, said he “passed away peacefully last evening surrounded by loved ones. We appreciate all of the outpouring of love and affection,” she said in a statement. A cause of death was not immediately released. Jordan was 85 years old.
“From civil rights to business, Mr. Jordan demonstrated the highest quality of leadership and created a path forward for African-Americans where there were none,” said Jaime Harrison, chairman of the Democratic National Committee. “He will be missed.”
Jordan, who grew up in the segregated south, rose to prominence as a civil rights activist. He studies law at Howard University, and also fought against segregation with a lawsuit against the University of Georgia in 1961.
Jordan even worked as a NAACP field worker and director of the Southern Regional Council for the Voter Education Project. Later, he served as president of the National Urban League. During his career, he worked closely on civil rights issues with presidents from Lyndon Johnson in the 1960’s to Barack Obama during the past decade. He also worked as an outside adviser during the Clinton administration.
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