Leon Jordan facts for kids

Leon Mercer Jordan (born May 6, 1905 – died July 15, 1970) was an African-American police officer, politician, and civil rights leader. He was from Kansas City, Missouri. Many people saw Jordan as one of the most important African Americans in Kansas City's history. When he died in 1970, he was known as the "state's most powerful black politician."

Early Life and Education

Leon Jordan went to Lincoln High School in Kansas City, Missouri. After high school, he served in the United States Army. He then went to Wilberforce University in Ohio, graduating in 1933. On August 10, 1932, he married Orchid Irene Ramsey. She was also a student at Wilberforce.

A Career in Public Service

After finishing college, Leon Jordan first worked as a schoolteacher.

Joining the Police Force

In 1938, Jordan joined the Kansas City Police Department (KCPD). He worked his way up to become a detective. In 1947, he took a break from the police force. For eight years, he helped train police officers in Liberia, a country in West Africa. Jordan was also a pilot and flew his own plane around Liberia.

Heroic Actions and Awards

In 1948, Jordan helped rescue the French High Commissioner of West Africa. He also saved sixteen other French officials. Their plane had to make an emergency landing. For his brave actions, Liberian President William Tubman honored Jordan. He received the Chevalier of the Order of the African Star award in 1948.

Return to Kansas City

In 1951, Jordan became a lifetime member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). This group works for equal rights for African Americans. He came back to Kansas City in February 1952. He was promoted to police lieutenant, which was a big step. He was the first African-American to hold that rank in the KCPD. However, he felt he didn't have much power, so he left the department. He went back to Liberia for three more years. Jordan returned to Kansas City for good in the mid-1950s. He then bought a business called the Green Duck Tavern.

Leading the Fight for Civil Rights

A statue and park memorializing Jordan was dedicated May 17, 1975. A plaque commemorating Freedom, Inc. was later placed on the back of the statue's base.

In 1958, Jordan became a Democratic committeeman for his area in Kansas City. This meant he helped lead the local Democratic Party. In 1962, Jordan and Bruce R. Watkins started an important group called Freedom, Inc.. This organization worked to make African Americans more aware of politics. They helped many people register to vote. They also supported black political candidates running for office.

Making a Difference in Laws

In 1963, Jordan and Watkins helped pass a new law in Kansas City. This law made sure that all public places were open to everyone, no matter their race. This was a big step in ending segregation.

Becoming a State Representative

In 1964, Freedom, Inc. supported eight people running for political jobs. Seven of them won! Leon Jordan was one of the winners. He was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives. He served three terms there. At the time of his death, he was running for his fourth term. He once said he was a "radical," meaning he wanted big changes. He added, "I'm not a conformist but there are bounds of reason."

A Tragic End

On July 15, 1970, Leon Jordan was killed outside his Green Duck Tavern. His death was a great loss to the community.

His Wife Continues His Work

After Leon Jordan's death, his wife, Orchid I. Jordan, decided to run for his political seat. She won the election and served for sixteen years in the Missouri House of Representatives. She passed away on December 25, 1995.

Looking Back: A New Investigation

In 2010, reporters from the Kansas City Star newspaper started looking into Jordan's death again. They found some old evidence that led the police to reopen the case. It was one of the oldest unsolved cases for the police department. A large police report was completed in 2011. However, no one was charged because the people believed to be involved had already passed away.

Leon Jordan's Lasting Legacy

There is a park in Kansas City named the Leon M. Jordan Memorial Park. It has a statue of Jordan and a special plaque.

Jordan's important papers are kept at the University of Missouri's Kansas City campus library. These papers include many details about his time in Liberia. A documentary film about him, called A Legacy of Leadership, was also made. It was released around the 50th anniversary of his death in July 2020.

In 1948, Liberian President William Tubman honored him with the Chevalier of the Order of the African Star.

See also

• List of assassinated American politicians