Barbara C. Jordan Elementary Honors Namesake at Stamp Unveiling

Students at in University City helped honor one of the most influential African-American women in U.S. history on Friday.

The students gathered in the school gymnasium to witness the U.S. Postal Service unveil its of the late Texas Congresswoman, who is also the school's namesake.

Jordan was the first black woman elected in the Texas State Senate. Later, from 1973 to 1979, she represented Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives.

"Barbara Jordan was you, and you are Barbara Jordan," said Missouri Circuit Court Judge Barbara T. Peebles, a guest speaker at the stamp unveiling. "You are bound for greatness, regardless of your childhood, your upbringing, your neighborhood or other distractions in life."

Judge Peebles said Jordan was a tireless fighter for civil rights and liberties.

"Barbara Jordan didn't just pave the path. She bulldozed her way in the most eloquent tongue and with the sweetest grace to change life for us."

Judge Peebles encouraged the students to follow Jordan's lead and speak with eloquence.

"Please, honor her by learning how to say your name. Always say your name with articulation, distinction and honor. No one should ever ask you to speak your name twice because they cannot hear you or understand you," Peebles said. "How you speak your name says a lot about you. It demonstrates what you stand for and more importantly what you won't stand for."

The Barbara Jordan stamp is the 34th to be issued as part of the U.S. Postal Service’s Black Heritage Series. The portrait featured on the stamp is based on an undated black-and-white photograph of Jordan.