About the Barbara Jordan Inn
Barbara Charline Jordan (February 21, 1936 - January 17, 1996) was a lawyer, educator, an American politician, and a leader of the Civil Rights movement. A Democrat, she was the first African-American elected to the Texas Senate after Reconstruction, the first Southern black female elected to the United States House of Representatives, the first known lesbian woman elected to the United States Congress (though this was not known to the public during her tenure), and the first African-American woman to deliver a keynote address at a Democratic National Convention. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, among numerous other honors. She was a member of the Peabody Awards Board of Jurors from 1978 to 1980. On her death, she became the first African-American woman to be buried in the Texas State Cemetery.
Barbara Jordan was chosen as the namesake of this Inn because she was a legendary pioneer in civil rights for women and minorities, and broke many barriers during her career. She was also a teacher and mentor to her students, from the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama to the LBJ School of Public Affairs. In much the same way, her namesake Inn focuses on members who have not had the Inn experience before--criminal law, family law, immigration law, women, attorneys of color, solo/ small firm, LGBTQ, etc.
On April 14, 2016, Chief Judge of the 5th Circuit, Carl E. Stewart, President of the American Inn of Court Foundation, presented the official charter to the members of the Jordan Inn. Accepting on behalf of the members of the Jordan Inn were Assistant Attorney General Frank A. King, President of the Barbara Jordan American Inn of Court, Presiding Municipal Court Judge Honorable Sherry Statman, President-elect, and Texas Supreme Court Justice Jeff Boyd, Counselor. Stewart spoke of the important role that Inns of Court play in promoting skills and civility in litigation, while also preserving the unique character of the American legal system. "I am so proud that in your inauguration you have taken the time to find out how Barbara Jordan so aptly fits what the American Inns of Court stand for," Stewart said.
Fall 2022-Spring 2023 Inn Meeting Schedule
- September 13, 2022 -- 5:30 p.m. orientation
- October 11, 2022 -- 5:30 p.m. (Texas Supreme Court Courtroom)
- November 8, 2022 -- 5:30 p.m. Chateau Bellevue
- December 6, 2022 -- 5:30 p.m. Chateau Bellevue
- January 24, 2023 -- 5:30 p.m. Chateau Bellevue
- February 15, 2023 -- 5:30 p.m. Chateau Bellevue (note: Wednesday)
- March 14, 2023 -- 5:30 p.m. Chateau Bellevue
- April 11, 2023 -- 5:30 p.m. Chateau Bellevue
2022-2023 Committee Members
- Executive Committee
- President - The Honorable Clifford Brown
- President-Elect - Mark Pierce
- Treasurer - Melissa Hargis
- Counselor - The Honorable Jeff Boyd
- Immediate Past President - Mary Evelyn McNamara
- UT Law Liaison - Chris Roberts
- Administrator - Jeanette Ybarra
- Webmaster - Drew Harris
- Chair Members
- Membership Co-Chairs - Francesca Di Troia and Mike Truesdale
- Programs Co-Chairs - Gene Anthes and Robyn Hargrove
- Mentorship Co-Chairs - Pam Deitchle and Kelli Fuqua
- Social Chair - Bradley Hargis
- Community Outreach Chair - Armin Salek, assisted by Melissa Hargis
Team Presentations
The Jordan Inn meets once a month to watch group presentations by its members for CLE credit.
Social outings
Inn teams are encouraged to get together for social events outside of preparing for CLE presentations.
Arianna Smith, the Honorable Nancy Hohengarten, Gene Anthes and Jacqueline Odum of Team 6 blowing off steam at Urban Axes Austin.
In the Press
Our April 2022 Inn social event at Bouldin Acres was covered in The Bencher magazine.
The Bencher also recognized several members of the Barbara Jordan Inn of Court for their volunteer work with the Community First Village. We are proud of our members' service!
Inn Documents
Charter Presentation
We were fortunate to have the Honorable Justice Carl E. Stewart of the 5th Court of Appeals, and President of the National American Inn of Court join us on April 14, 2016 to formally present our charter.
Left to Right: President-Elect Honorable Sherry Statman, President Frank King, Honorable Justice Carl E. Stewart, Counselor Honorable Jeff Boyd
Left to right: Counselor Honorable Jeff Boyd, President Frank King, National Inn President Honorable Justice Carl E. Stewart, Inn Founder and Advisor Dirk Jordan, Honorable Lee Yeakel
Sponsors
We are very appreciative of our 2021-2022 sponsors, The Boat restaurant and Bertolino, LLP
