Vernon Jordan: Civil Rights Leader And Bill Clinton Ally Dies At 85

Civil rights leader and former adviser to former US President Bill Clinton, Vernon Jordan, has died at the age of 85.

The news was revealed by multiple sources and confirmed by Jordan's daughter, Vickee Jordan Adams, in a statement obtained by CBS News.

She said, "My father passed away last night around 10 o'clock surrounded by loved ones, his wife and his daughter by his side."

Vernon Jordan

#BREAKING: Civil Rights activist & former adviser to Pres. Clinton, Vernon Jordan has died at 85, @CBSMMiller confirms.

His daughter, Vickee Jordan Adams, tells @CBSNews: "My father passed away last night around 10p surrounded by loved ones his wife and daughter by his side." pic.twitter.com/JXSyp7SZMO

— CBS This Morning (@CBSThisMorning) March 2, 2021

 

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The President and CEO of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Derrick Johnson, said of the news:

"Today, the world lost an influential figure in the fight for civil rights and American politics, Vernon Jordan. An icon to the world and a lifelong friend to the NAACP, his contribution to moving our society toward justice is unparalleled."

Jordan and Bill Clinton

Vernon Jordan was born on March 15, 1935. He was an influential figure in American politics and was chosen by then-President Bill Clinton as a close adviser.

He was born and grew up in Atlanta's segregated society and was rejected for a summer intern's job with an insurance company after his sophomore year in college because of his race.

Jordan earned money for a few summers for college by working as a chauffeur to former city mayor Richard Maddox (a banker then).

He is survived by a wife, Ann Dibble Jordan, a daughter, and nine grandchildren.