County Officials Honor Barbara Jordan With Street Name

Miami FL

01 April, 2021

8:13 AM

Description

By Johania Charles Mar 30, 2021 Barbara Jordan will claim a place in history as a commissioner who championed the needs of her constituents and effected positive change, according to community leaders. And now motorists driving on Opa-locka's NW 37th Avenue between NW 135th Street to NW 151st Street will be reminded of that legacy, when they see a new street sign beckoning them toward what is now called Commissioner Barbara Jordan Way. Barbara J. Jordan At a public dedication ceremony last week, the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners and the City of Opa-locka Commission unveiled the signage with much fanfare in honor of Jordan, who formerly represented District 1. "I was so happy and surprised that the City of Opa-locka felt that the work I've done deserved this honor. I am humbled, proud and pleased," Jordan told The Miami Times. "The work that I've done as a commissioner means so much to me, and being honored like this says that I have left a legacy behind. This serves as validation." Nearly 100 people, including prominent leaders from across the community, gathered to celebrate Jordan's achievements, with many showering her with words of praise, gratitude and accolades. A street named after former District 1 County Commissioner Barbara Jordan./Johania Charles for The Miami Times Speakers asked to share their thoughts on Jordan's leadership reminded the crowd of her many contributions through community programs, social service resources and economic development. "So often we see street names and building names and we don't know the people, but we know [Jordan] and the contributions that she's made," said Oliver Gilbert, Jordan's successor for District 1 and vice chairman of the board. "We know the kids that she's helped and the economic development she's brought. In so many ways, she's helped us develop into the community we're becoming." Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava shared insight into how Jordan inspired her during the six years they served alongside each other on the commission. "You have dedicated so much of your life to us and our community, and we are doing just a small part right here to recognize you forever for that service," Levine Cava said to Jordan, calling her a personal shero. Jordan's brother, Florida City Mayor Otis Wallace, recounted events where her leadership defined his success. He mentioned that she was the reason he chose to pursue higher education after their grandparents and mother passed away. "One of the things that Barbara learned in her role as matriarch of the family, and I think it's an attribute that served her well as a county commissioner, she understood that the greatest gift a public servant can give to the people she serves is to let them know that she simply cares," Wallace explained. Because of personal encounters with racism, educational, social and economic barriers, Jordan sympathized with the plight of the Black community. As a child growing up in the 1950s, she was forced to attend a segregated public school. Though many obstacles presented themselves, she pushed through to earn a bachelor's degree in English and a master's in human services. Once she assumed her role as public administrator for the county, she was determined to advocate for Miami-Dade to bring in initiatives like Head Start – a free school readiness program for children of low-income families. In 1990, Jordan was responsible for the creation of the Greater Miami Service Corps. The nonprofit is a vocational training program with a reputation for targeting youth from different walks of life, whether they are seeking to transition into the workforce, stay out the juvenile justice system, or work toward a GED or high school diploma. Opa-locka officials and Barbara Jordan stand in front of a newly erected sign for Commissioner Barbara Jordan Way./Johania Charles for The Miami Times Some said Jordan's impact on the community was felt most after she was backed by Betty Ferguson to replace her as county commissioner in 2004, winning by more than 20% of the electoral votes. Cities represented under the District 1 seat include Opa-locka, Miami Gardens and Ives Estates. "When I first ran for office I had no idea what I was getting into, I just knew I wanted to serve and that I wasn't finished making an impact," said Jordan. During her tenure, she played a significant role in restoring Opa-locka's city hall and airport, sponsored community events like the Black and Hispanic heritage festivals, and oversaw the development of the Amazon fulfillment center. Opa-locka Mayor Matthew Pigatt said if it hadn't been for Jordan's willingness to allow the center to be built in the city, it wouldn't have received the financial support it provides, stating that the center contributes $1.6 million to Opa-locka's tax base every year. "And who led that? Who made that happen? Commissioner Barbara Jordan," Pigatt said enthusiastically, revealing to the audience that she also inspired him to run for office to make a change in his community. "All of those who voted for her [in 2004] see what we all see today – that she is an incredibly honest and earnest public servant who always leads with her heart and with her incredible mind," added Levine Cava. Since leaving office Jordan said she's been offered seats on community boards, consultancies on numerous projects and advisory positions for future candidates. She told The Miami Times that she turned down offers to work as a consultant because she did not believe in the projects being discussed, but plans to provide guidance to candidates who are adamant about running for the right reasons. She also is considering accepting some of those board positions. Her desire to go on vacation to celebrate her retirement is on hold because of the pandemic. Gilbert, who has big shoes to fill and spent many years under Jordan's guidance, said: "Her positive impact is really immeasurable and it's difficult to articulate because it spans so many different areas ... the greatest compliment I can pay to her is that she is the consummate of public service. I hope that at the end of my service someone says that [about me]." The Miami Times is the largest Black-owned newspaper in the south serving Miami's Black community since 1923. The award-winning weekly is frequently recognized as the best Black newspaper in the country by the National Newspaper Publishers Association.