HOUSTON, TX.- On Saturday, December 2, Downtown Houston+ and POST Houston hosted the dedication of Barbara Jordan Plaza and unveiled “I am Barbara Jordan,” a monument honoring the iconic Houstonian and U.S. congresswoman. The event took place at the POST Front Plaza, renamed Barbara Jordan Plaza, with community leaders—including Mayor Sylvester Turner and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee—as well as elected officials who served with Jordan, to honor her contributions to Houstonians and to the American people.

“We are honored to take part in dedicating this space to the lasting impact of Barbara Jordan and to help unveil this beautiful monument, which is more than just a physical addition to our city,” said Kris Larson, president and CEO of Downtown Houston+. “This space encapsulates Downtown Houston’s commitment to preserving and celebrating the rich history and influential figures that have indelibly shaped our community and nation.”

The event featured a series of moments reflecting on Barbara Jordan’s life as a Fifth Ward native and Phillis Wheatley High School graduate, a civil rights icon, and the first female African American legislator to be elected to the U.S. Congress from the Deep South. Attendees enjoyed a recital from spoken word artist Outspoken Bean, a special performance by members of the Texas Southern University Debate Team (Jordan’s alma mater), and heartfelt remarks from both Mayor Sylvester Turner and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. The program honored Jordan’s significant contributions, her passion for public service, and her steadfast dedication to representing Houston.

“At POST Houston, we are proud to carry forward the legacy of Barbara Jordan, a visionary leader whose impact resonates in our city to this day,” said Lovett Commercial Director Kirby Liu. “In 1984, the Post Office was renamed the Barbara Jordan Post Office, a lasting tribute to her dedicated service to Houston. And now as we continue in this next chapter at POST, the spirit of Barbara Jordan endures with the Barbara Jordan Plaza, a testament to her memory and the values she championed.”

The highlight of the ceremony came with the unveiling of the commemorative monument, “I Am Barbara Jordan,” a bronze sculpture crafted by Houston-based artist Angelbert Metoyer to represent Barbara Jordan's enduring role in shaping the country’s ideals of liberty and justice. Following the unveiling, attendees engaged in an artist talk featuring Angelbert Metoyer, Jamal Cyrus, and Dr. Alvia Wardlaw, who provided insights into the creative process and the inspiration behind the tribute.

"It was an honor to collaborate with POST Houston for this sculpture,” said Angelbert Metoyer. “Barbara Jordan's profound impact on American and global history inspired me to highlight the enduring facets of her character. Her unwavering dedication to liberty deeply resonates with me, and I trust that the monument will serve as a platform for viewers to say her name and contribute to her legacy."

DOWNTOWN HOUSTON +

Downtown Houston+ stewards the vision of Downtown as a center of global commerce and local culture and Houston’s heart for opportunity, excitement, and joy. Its family of aligned entities — Central Houston Inc., Houston Downtown Management District and Downtown Redevelopment Authority — collectively advance a shared mission to champion and enhance Downtown Houston as a connected and thriving place for everyone. For more information, visit downtownhouston.org.

LOVETT COMMERCIAL

About the Lovett Group: Founded in 1980 as a home building company, Lovett is today a preeminent residential and commercial real estate developer with projects in Houston, Dallas and Austin. In 1994, the group created its commercial real estate arm, Lovett Commercial, which develops both creative urban retail and suburban grocery-anchored projects. Their work has earned awards and recognition including two first place ULI Development of Distinction Awards and the 2016 Good Brick Award for B&B Butchers.