Barbara Jordan, Bronze statue at University of Texas at Austin, United States.
The statue depicts Barbara Jordan seated in a contemplative pose, wearing glasses with a book resting on her lap. Sculpted in bronze by Bruce Wolfe, the work stands on the university campus as a landmark visitors and students encounter during their time on the grounds.
Barbara Jordan was the first African American woman from the South elected to the United States Congress, serving from 1972 to 1978. She gained national recognition through her powerful speeches and strong advocacy for constitutional rights during her time in office.
Barbara Jordan taught at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at UT Austin from 1979 to 1988, and the statue stands near the school named for her. Visitors often see students pausing by the bronze figure between classes.
The statue is freely accessible on the university campus and can be visited at any time without restrictions. Visitors should know the location is situated away from the main pathways, so consulting a campus map or asking at an information office beforehand can help plan your visit.
The bronze was made by California sculptor Bruce Wolfe, whose public commissions include figures of other political leaders; the Jordan work was installed on campus in 2009. Look for the book on her lap and the glasses, details that place her as a lawmaker and teacher rather than a distant monument.
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