History of Vernon Jordan in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: January 27, 2025

Vernon Eulion Jordan Jr. was a prominent American business executive and civil rights attorney. He dedicated a significant portion of his career to working with various civil rights movement organizations, playing a crucial role in advocating for equal rights and social justice. Later, Jordan transitioned into a different sphere of influence, becoming a close advisor to President Bill Clinton. His contributions spanned both the legal and political arenas, leaving a lasting impact on American society.

August 15, 1935: Birth of Vernon Eulion Jordan Jr.

Vernon Eulion Jordan Jr. was born on August 15, 1935.

1957: Graduation from DePauw University

Vernon Jordan graduated from DePauw University in 1957.

1960: Earns Law Degree from Howard University

Vernon Jordan earned a Juris Doctor degree from Howard University School of Law in 1960.

1961: Desegregation of the University of Georgia

In 1961, Vernon Jordan, as part of a legal team, successfully sued the University of Georgia, leading to its desegregation and the admission of Charlayne Hunter and Hamilton E. Holmes. He personally escorted Hunter past protestors to the admissions office.

1964: Interview with Robert Penn Warren

In 1964, Vernon Jordan was interviewed by Robert Penn Warren for the book "Who Speaks for the Negro?".

1970: Becomes Executive Director of the United Negro College Fund

Vernon Jordan became the executive director of the United Negro College Fund in 1970.

1971: Becomes President of the National Urban League

Vernon Jordan became the president of the National Urban League in 1971.

May 29, 1980: Shooting of Vernon Jordan

On May 29, 1980, Vernon Jordan was shot and seriously wounded in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

1980: Clinton's Defeat for Re-election as Governor

Bill Clinton was defeated for re-election as governor in 1980. Vernon Jordan consoled him after this defeat.

1981: Comments on the Reagan Administration

In 1981, Vernon Jordan, while still with the National Urban League, commented on the Ronald Reagan administration.

1981: Concludes Presidency of the National Urban League

Vernon Jordan's tenure as president of the National Urban League ended in 1981.

1982: Joseph Paul Franklin Acquitted

Joseph Paul Franklin was acquitted of the attempted murder of Vernon Jordan in 1982.

1985: Death of First Wife, Shirley

Vernon Jordan's first wife, Shirley, passed away in 1985.

1986: Remarriage to Ann Dibble

Vernon Jordan married Ann Dibble in 1986.

1989: Involvement in RJR Nabisco Buyout

In 1989, Vernon Jordan was on the board of directors at RJR Nabisco during the leveraged buyout battle.

1991: Attends Bilderberg Conference

Vernon Jordan took Bill Clinton to the Bilderberg conference in Germany in 1991.

1992: Joins Clinton's Transition Team

Vernon Jordan joined Bill Clinton's presidential transition team in 1992.

1993: Continues on Clinton's Transition Team

Vernon Jordan continued to serve on Bill Clinton's presidential transition team into 1993.

1993: Suicide of Vincent W. Foster Jr.

Vincent W. Foster Jr. committed suicide in 1993, after which Vernon Jordan consoled President Clinton.

1996: Franklin Admits to Shooting

In 1996, Joseph Paul Franklin confessed to shooting Vernon Jordan.

1998: Assists Monica Lewinsky

In 1998, Vernon Jordan helped Monica Lewinsky find a job and legal representation after leaving the White House.

1998: Interviewed on 60 Minutes

Vernon Jordan was interviewed on the CBS news program 60 Minutes in 1998.

January 2000: Joins Lazard Freres & Co.

Vernon Jordan became a senior managing director at Lazard Freres & Co. LLC in January 2000.

October 1, 2003: Legal Fees Rejected

On October 1, 2003, a court rejected Vernon Jordan's claim for reimbursement of legal fees related to his assistance to President Clinton during the Lewinsky and Paula Jones scandals.