Jean Gordon, Little Rock activist for peace and civil rights, dies at 97 | The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
– Jean Gordon Little Rock activist for peace and civil rights
– Jean Gordon, Little Rock activist for peace and civil rights, passes away at the age of 97.
Little Rock Human Rights Activist Jean Gordon Passes Away at Age 97
In a sad turn of events, Little Rock has lost one of its most influential human rights activists. Jean Gordon, who dedicated her life to advocating for equality and peace, passed away on Thursday at the age of 97. Her tireless efforts began during the school segregation crisis of 1957-59 and continued until the end of the Cold War and beyond.
A Prominent Figure in the Fight Against Racism
Gordon, born in Little Rock in 1926, first gained prominence as a member of the Women’s Emergency Committee to Open Our Schools. This organization vehemently opposed the closure of Little Rock high schools by then-Governor Orval Faubus in an attempt to resist federal racial desegregation. Gordon’s unwavering commitment to civil rights earned her respect and admiration.
An Advocate for Peace and Nuclear Disarmament
In addition to her work in civil rights, Jean Gordon was a vocal advocate for peace and nuclear disarmament. She was actively involved in organizations such as the Arkansas Peace Center and served on the board of Arkansas Peace Links. Following the disbandment of Peace Links after the Cold War, Gordon established the Arkansas chapter of Women’s Action for New Directions (WAND). Through WAND, she tirelessly worked towards reducing violence, militarism, and the use of nuclear weapons.
Supporter of Bill Clinton and a Family’s Memories
Gordon’s dedication to social justice extended beyond her activism. She supported Bill Clinton during his run for Arkansas attorney general in 1976. Her daughter, Anne Perry, fondly reminisces about growing up in Little Rock during the era of desegregation. Perry recalls the backlash her mother faced for her courageous stance, with hostile phone calls and protests at their church. However, she also remembers the warmth and care they received from the Black community, who embraced Jean Gordon’s message of hope.
A Compassionate Soul with a Global Perspective
Gordon’s interest in other cultures and social change was fueled by her studies in philosophy at Wellesley College and her extensive travels. Even during the Cold War, she ventured to Russia, then known as the Soviet Union, to advocate for peace. Perry highlights her mother’s unwavering belief that humanity is interconnected, and her determination to make friends with “the other.”
A Lifetime of Activism and Service
Beyond her civil rights and peace advocacy, Jean Gordon played an instrumental role in founding several organizations. She was a founding member of the Whole Person Center, which promoted holistic consciousness. Additionally, she helped establish the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN). Gordon actively served on the boards of various institutions, including Henderson State University, the Friends of the Repertory Theater, the Literacy Council of Pulaski County, and We Care of Pulaski County.
Throughout her life, Jean Gordon remained at the forefront of awareness, passionately addressing issues such as climate change and gender identity. Perry fondly remembers her mother’s commitment to taking action and practicing frugality and recycling. Even in her later years, she embraced social changes and supported causes close to her heart.
A Legacy of Empathy and Activism
Gordon’s dedication to activism inspired her children to follow in her footsteps. Perry recalls tearfully joining hundreds of demonstrators on the Arkansas Capitol steps, singing “We Shall Overcome.” She also regrets not being able to attend Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech in Washington, D.C., after watching it on TV.
A Final Act of Protest
Gordon’s activism remained a vital part of her life until the end. Last year, even while battling cancer at the age of 97, she sat at a card table in the lobby of a theater showing the film “Oppenheimer,” distributing anti-war pamphlets. It was a testament to her unwavering commitment to peace and justice.
Little Rock has lost a remarkable advocate for human rights, equality, and peace. Jean Gordon’s legacy will forever inspire future generations to stand up for what they believe in and fight for a better world.
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– Jean Gordon Little Rock activist for peace and civil rights
– Jean Gordon dies at 97.
