The News Media Alliance is saddened by the passing of civil rights leader Vernon Jordan on Monday at the age of 85. Jordan inspired generations of Americans by speaking out for social justice. He was known not only for his passionate pursuit of racial equality, but also for his vast professional achievements.
News Media Alliance President & CEO, David Chavern, stated, “Vernon Jordan made incredible strides in the fight for racial justice and equality in this country, leaving a legacy for us to carry forward. He will continue to be an inspiration to us all as we work to further his achievements in our work to improve diversity and inclusion in the news media industry.”
In addition to his roles as a respected advisor to numerous U.S. presidents, lawyer, businessman, and activist, Jordan also served on the Board of Directors of Dow Jones, publisher of The Wall Street Journal. According to the WSJ obituary, in 1961, Jordan also won a discrimination case against the University of Georgia, resulting in the court ordering the university to admit Charlayne Hunter, who went on to become a successful journalist (as Charlayne Hunter-Gault) at The New York Times and NPR.
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Members of the News/Media Alliance staff have contributed to this post.
