– Jean Gordon, Little Rock activist for peace and civil rights
– Jean Gordon, Little Rock advocate for peace and civil rights.
Remembering Little Rock Human Rights Activist Jean Gordon
Little Rock has lost a true champion for equality and peace with the passing of Jean Gordon at the age of 97. Born in 1926, Gordon dedicated her life to fighting for civil rights and advocating for a more peaceful world. Her remarkable journey began during the school segregation crisis of 1957-59 and continued well into the new millennium.
A Prominent Figure in the Fight Against Racism
Gordon gained prominence as a member of the Women’s Emergency Committee to Open Our Schools, a group that opposed the closure of Little Rock high schools during the fight for racial desegregation. She fearlessly stood against then-Governor Orval Faubus and his resistance to federal integration efforts. Despite facing backlash for her moral stance, Gordon remained steadfast in her belief in the power of equality.
A Voice for Peace and Nuclear Disarmament
Not only did Gordon fight for civil rights, but she was also a vocal advocate for peace and nuclear disarmament. She actively participated in organizations like the Arkansas Peace Center and served on the board of Arkansas Peace Links. When Peace Links disbanded after the Cold War, Gordon founded the Arkansas chapter of Women’s Action for New Directions (WAND), where she tirelessly campaigned for a reduction in violence, militarism, and the abolishment of nuclear weapons.
A Biography of Compassion and Social Change
Gordon’s passion for social change and her interest in other cultures were deeply rooted in her education and travels. Her studies in philosophy at Wellesley College in Massachusetts broadened her perspective and fueled her compassion. She even traveled to Russia during the Cold War to advocate for peace, emphasizing the importance of unity and friendship among all people.
Gordon’s impact extended beyond civil rights and peace activism. She played a crucial role in the creation of the Whole Person Center, promoting holistic consciousness, and was a founding member of the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN). Her dedication to education and community welfare led her to serve on various boards, including those of Henderson State University, the Literacy Council of Pulaski County, and We Care of Pulaski County.
A Lasting Legacy
Gordon’s activism not only influenced society but also shaped the lives of her children. Her daughter, Anne Perry, fondly recalls the moments of protest and empathy they experienced together as a family. From standing on the Arkansas Capitol steps, singing “We Shall Overcome” with hundreds of demonstrators, to watching Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech on TV, Jean Gordon instilled in her children the values of compassion and activism.
Even in her final years, Gordon’s commitment to her causes remained unwavering. Last year, at the age of 97 and battling cancer, she sat at a card table in the lobby of a movie theater, distributing anti-war pamphlets during the screening of Christopher Nolan’s biopic on the development of atomic weapons.
Remembering Jean Gordon
Jean Gordon was a remarkable individual who dedicated her life to fighting for equality, peace, and social change. Her unwavering commitment to these causes has left a lasting impact on Little Rock and beyond. We will remember her as a tireless activist, a compassionate soul, and an inspiration to all who strive for a more just and peaceful world.
.
1. Jean Gordon, Little Rock activist for peace and civil rights, dies at 97
2. Jean Gordon, Little Rock activist for peace and civil rights, passes away at 97.
