There is a definition of black America but no definition of white America. And we are just as mixed up in views, needs, and aspirations as any other group of people. It's never been monolithic. There's always been dissent. There's always been a difference of opinion, and a difference of approach. And that's healthy. 
-- Vernon JordanVernon Eulion Jordan, Jr. was born August 15, 1935 in Atlanta, Georgia. Having grown up in America's Deep South, he enrolled in DePauw University where he studied political science. He later enrolled at Howard University's law school, and upon graduation, became involved with the nationwide effort to desegregate the country's colleges and universities.
In 1961, he was named field secretary for the Georgia chapter of National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. He stayed in that role until 1963. In 1964, he became the director of the Southern Regional Council for the Voter Education Project. President Johnson, among others, took note of his political influence, and became part of the President's civil
rights conference. In 1970, Jordan became the director of the United Negro College Fund and helped raise $10 million. He was the President of the National Urban League from 1972-1981, where he helped advance the progress of minority hiring.
After his tenure, he moved to Washington, D.C. to a private law practice. His most famous client was President Clinton, as he helped on his transition team when Clinton was first elected in 1992. Though he never took a presidential appointment, Jordan always remained one of Clinton's closest political advisors and friends. In 2001, the NAACP presented Jordan with the Spingarn Award, its highest honor.
In 1961, he was named field secretary for the Georgia chapter of National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. He stayed in that role until 1963. In 1964, he became the director of the Southern Regional Council for the Voter Education Project. President Johnson, among others, took note of his political influence, and became part of the President's civil
rights conference. In 1970, Jordan became the director of the United Negro College Fund and helped raise $10 million. He was the President of the National Urban League from 1972-1981, where he helped advance the progress of minority hiring.
After his tenure, he moved to Washington, D.C. to a private law practice. His most famous client was President Clinton, as he helped on his transition team when Clinton was first elected in 1992. Though he never took a presidential appointment, Jordan always remained one of Clinton's closest political advisors and friends. In 2001, the NAACP presented Jordan with the Spingarn Award, its highest honor.
