Vernon E. Jordan (Finding Aid)

Vernon E. Jordan

1935 -

Favorite Color: Blue

Favorite Food: Fried Chicken

Favorite Vacation Spot: Martha's Vineyard

Interview Length: 82 minutes

Interview Date(s): January 24, 2003

Interview Location(s): Washington, D.C.

Abstract

Vernon Jordan describes his father's and mother's backgrounds and personalities. He focuses especially on his mother, who worked as a cook in the homes of white people before starting her own catering business. Jordan describes his mother's drive for success, and her creativity, qualities that he believes helped her have great success in business. Jordan then describes growing up in an Atlanta housing project, University Homes, a close-knit community with many successful black professionals in residence. He recalls wanting to emulate these professionals and other successful blacks around town, including the presidents of Atlanta's many black colleges. Jordan then describes his experience taking piano lessons as a child, confessing that stopping these lessons is one of his biggest regrets. Jordan describes his two brothers, both of whom were very close to him while growing up. Vernon Jordan recalls his mother encouraging all of her children equally, and credits her encouragement with his pride in his family. He describes his family's participation in church, recalling his experience in Sunday school. Jordan then describes his elementary school experience, paying tribute to many of his teachers, whom he said succeeded despite a lack of proper funding. He recalls some fond memories from his childhood and describes his childhood personality. Jordan then details his experiences in the YMCA, describing it as a community-wide institution in Atlanta that made a deep impression on his life and the lives of many others. Jordan describes his college aspirations as a teenager, recalling that his desire to attend college in the North conflicted with expectations, but after encouragement from a close friend, he made the decision to attend DePauw University in Indiana. Vernon Jordan describes his parents' different approaches to child raising, explaining that his mother took the lead and raised his expectations; his father offered support and encouragement as well, just not to the degree of his mother. Jordan then considers which of his parents' character traits can be found in him. He attributes his organizational skills to his father, and his creativity to his mother. Jordan details his time at DePauw University in Indiana, a unique experience because he was the only African American member of his graduating class. Though he faced some prejudice and discrimination, Jordan says he has fond memories of DePauw and would choose to go there again. Jordan recalls working for a racist banker during summer breaks in college, and says that his employer's prejudices motivated him to succeed as a student and to attend law school. Jordan then describes his time at Howard University Law School, recalling his delight at being able to date African American co-eds and the wealth of knowl

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