One’s Story Alone Can Make A Difference…
I suppose it was it around 2002 when I picked up Vernon Jordan’s memoir. Although I had never seen or spoken to him, Mr. Jordan in my mind, became my inspiration, mentor and friend.
After learning his story, it was Mr. Jordan who pushed me to attend the Howard University School of Law. It was also Mr. Jordan who prompted me to learn what this person called an “investment banker” was and Mr. Jordan who motivated me to never question whether I could be one as Black person or a lawyer.
In 2010, I felt that I had enough substance in my career to reach out to him. Within weeks, I found myself sitting in his private waiting room in awe of his memorabilia (the handwritten notes from US Presidents, the Washington Post articles and the endless photos of corporate board service).
As I sat down and began to tell my story, I found him engaged and myself quickly interrupted with things that mattered to him.
Me: I grew up in West Virginia
VJ: Oh, did you go to State?
Me: My dad is a minister
VJ: Wait, but can he preach?
My thoughts, “oh he is Black, like my Grandad Black”.
Shortly thereafter, his long time friend Felix Rohatyn dialed him up. He allowed me to listen in while he and Felix tossed around and gossiped about names of Presidential candidates and industry titans like I would about my old 10th grade classmates.
I remember walking around for months, after that meeting, energized about how one could be so authentic to himself and still be so impactful in bringing forth social justice through the formidable institutions of business and government.
Over time, I would encounter Mr. Jordan at events, restaurants where he always seemed to be holding court and even at an airport where I was honored to stop him and tell him I that I needed to carry his bags - which I did from one end of Dulles to another.
For all that were familiar, Mr. Jordan’s impact was profound both directly and indirectly. While his body may no longer be with us, I am also at peace knowing that his spirit remains in so many of my mentors who he directly taught that life is about building and giving.
Thank you Mr. Jordan
Ernie (the Preacher’s son)