
Barbara
Jordan Leadership
Award
Barbara Jordan, the co-founder of People For the American Way, was a true visionary and public servant. Serving as the first African American woman in the Texas State Legislature, and the first African American US Representative from the Deep South, she championed voting rights and the causes of the poor, the disadvantaged, and people of color.
The award honors Congresswoman Jordan’s legacy and dedication to public service and our country by recognizing one outstanding young elected official—chosen by their peers—who is following in her footsteps by advancing the cause of justice.
Each year, The Barbara Jordan Leadership Award is awarded to an elected official who has demonstrated a commitment to the values and mission of the YEO Network and has a distinguished record of service to their community and the progressive movement at large.
Though COVID-19 interrupted our gatherings and our administering of the award, we are proud to once again return to this cherished network tradition of applauding the transformative impact of young elected leaders on their communities, our country, and our democracy.
The 2022 Jordan Award Nominees
Nominees for our 2022 Award were selected by a committee of Young Elected Officials Network staff and alumni, as well as members of the leadership of People for the American Way.
Here are your 2022 Nominees for YEO Network's Barbara Jordan Leadership Award:
Vote for our 2022 Barbara Jordan Award Winner
YEO Network members and mentors (current elected officials) are invited to vote between now and Thursday, June 16th at 11:59pm.
The winner will be announced at People for the American Way's 2022 Big Ideas Summit in Atlanta, Georgia. Learn more at www.yeonetwork.org/summit.

"What the people want is very simple - they want an America as good as its promise."

Previous Jordan Award Winners

Arizona House of Representatives

Commonwealth Attorney, Portsmouth, VA

Mayor, Tallahassee, FL

Mayor, Ithaca, New York

Missouri State Senate

Santa Clara County Board of Education, California

Michigan State Legislature

Florida House of Representatives

Councilman, St. Paul, Minnesota