Norton Remembers Long Friendship with Vernon Jordan
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) issued the following statement on the death of her longtime friend Vernon Jordan.
"To many Americans, Vernon Jordan, who died yesterday, was a well-known and admired figure in American life. To me, Vernon was a good friend of many years.
"Vernon's life will remain emblematic of the heights to which an African American can climb, regardless of humble beginnings. Vernon was at the top of whatever he did – as a civil rights leader and head of the National Urban League; as head of the United Negro College Fund; as a distinguished lawyer and, I'm proud to say, a graduate of Howard University Law School here in the District of Columbia; and as a corporate leader who served on many boards. Vernon's advice was much sought, from business leaders to President Bill Clinton, to whom he was a close friend and confidante.
"I believe that the reason Vernon enjoyed so much acclaim and admiration went well beyond his vaunted leadership skills. To meet Vernon was to strike up a friendship. Tall in stature and deep of voice, Vernon brought others to his level with warmth rather than looking down on them from the heights he had achieved.
"When I insisted on the gender-neutral title of ‘Chair' after my appointment to lead the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Vernon made good use of the title. I would pick up the phone and hear that deeply resonant voice saying "chair" as we began many conversations throughout our friendship.
"Vernon is as unforgettable as he is irreplaceable. I will always miss my friend."