Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis on Saturday, Dec. 2, will join other elected officials, community leaders and the sister of the late Congresswoman Barbara Jordan at a ceremony to dedicate a plaza in honor of the South’s first African American congresswoman. The ceremony will take place at POST Houston, a downtown hub for culture and entertainment housed in a building that once was a post office named after Congresswoman Jordan. Commissioner Ellis issued the following statement about the dedication:
“It’s hard not to feel nostalgic when I think about Barbara Jordan, who was such an inspiration to so many of us, including my former boss and mentor, the late Congressman Mickey Leland, who led the effort to rename the Franklin Post Office after Congresswoman Jordan in 1984. It was a fitting tribute because this post office was a place that helped thousands of Houstonians every single day.
Barbara Jordan accomplished so much for so many people in Houston and around the country. She was a towering national figure who inspired millions with her intellect, courage, and unwavering commitment to justice. Her impassioned speeches captivated the nation, transcending party lines and inspiring individuals from all walks of life. While this building no longer bears her name, I thank the leaders at Downtown Houston+ and POST Houston for their efforts to continue Congresswoman Jordan’s legacy through the Barbara Jordan Plaza and monument.”