First Black woman in the U.S. to preside over a legislative body

On March 28, 1972, Barbara Jordan was elected president pro tempore of the Texas Senate by her fellow senators, an honor that made her the first Black woman in United States history to preside over a legislative body.

The position of president pro tempore is a position of significant institutional authority, responsible for presiding over the Senate in the absence of the lieutenant governor. Jordan's colleagues, including many who had initially been skeptical of a Black woman's place in the historically white, male institution, unanimously supported her for the role—a testament to the respect she had earned through her legislative skill and diplomacy.

This achievement was particularly notable given the pervasive racial and gender barriers still present in Southern politics in the early 1970s. Jordan had to navigate a legislature where she was often the only Black member and one of very few women, yet she rose to a position of leadership through sheer competence and political acumen.

Her selection as president pro tempore also set the stage for an even more remarkable distinction just months later, when she served a ceremonial term as acting governor of Texas. Jordan's leadership in this role helped pave the way for future generations of Black and female legislators to seek and attain positions of institutional power within American statehouses.