Barbara Jordan, one of the most respected and influential American politicians of the 20th century, was born on this day in 1936. Her prodigious list of “firsts” includes being the first African-American woman elected to the Texas legislature, the first African American elected to the Texas State Senate since 1883, and the first African-American woman elected to the U.S. Congress from the South.

Jordan captured the attention and admiration of the nation with her intelligence and integrity, her ardent patriotism and steadfast dedication to public service, and her eloquent oratory and charismatic leadership. Staunchly determined to help extend social justice and federal protection of equal rights to all American citizens, she dedicated her life to working for the benefit of others and her legacy will carry on for generations to come.

Want to know more about Barbara Jordan? The includes a biography of Jordan, a timeline of her life and achievements, a notable quotation, and a place to preserve a Barbara Jordan stamp. It also comes with a full pane of stamps.

Issued as a Forever® stamp in 2011, the Barbara Jordan stamp was the 34th stamp in the Black Heritage series. Forever stamps are always equal in value to the current First-Class Mail one-ounce rate.