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WASHINGTON – In a House floor speech today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) honored the life and legacy of the late Massachusetts State Representative Raymond Jordan Jr (D-Springfield).

Rep. Jordan Jr. was a resident of Springfield, Massachusetts and served as the city’s first Black legislator in the Massachusetts State House. Prior to his run for state house, Rep. Jordan Jr. served as the director of the African American Cultural Center at American International College.

“Rep. Jordan was a good man – a trailblazing man. His impact in his local community, in Massachusetts history, in politics is indelible and enduring – in bills, in laws, in buildings, but most of all, in people,” said Rep. Pressley in a statement.

Rep. Jordan Jr. is survived by his wife of 57 years, Donna, and his two daughters, Denise and Darlene Jordan.

A full transcript of her remarks is available below and video is available here.

Transcript: Pressley Honors Life of State Rep. Raymond Jordan Jr. on House Floor

U.S. House of Representatives

March 3, 2022

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of the late State Representative Raymond Jordan Jr.

Representative Jordan was a good man, a trailblazing man, a friend and mentor to many.

A resident of Springfield and a product of Springfield Public Schools, he went on to become the first African American elected to the Massachusetts State House.

Over the course of his career, he chaired the powerful Ways and Means Committee and the Committee on Housing and Urban Development.

His indefatigable commitment to equity and justice earned him the enduring yet befitting nickname of Barracuda.

His impact in his local community, in Massachusetts history and politics is indelible and enduring.

In bills, in laws, in buildings, but most of all in people.

But many of his greatest achievements will live on through the loving family that he built alongside the love of his life, Donna Harris Jordan.

Of all his most memorable titles and tasks, he would most want to be remembered as a loving husband and father who fought tirelessly for his community and his people.

When I think of the late Raymond Jordan Jr., I’m reminded of the words of the African American hymn that says, “May the work I’ve done speak for me.”

Indeed, the many works of Raymond Jordan speak for him both now and for eternity.

May he rest in power and in peace.

 

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