CHANGEMAKERS

Frederick E. Jordan, also known as Fred Jordan, is a civil engineer, businessman, activist, veteran, and author. He also serves on various boards and business networks, like the National Black Chamber of Commerce. Jordan received his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Howard University. After serving in the Vietnam War, Jordan attended Northeastern University in Boston to earn his master’s degree in engineering. Continue reading “FRED JORDAN”

Sam Jordan exemplified diversity in his many accomplishments and his openness to others. Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Jordan moved to San Francisco in 1948 to pursue his boxing career. His charismatic nature quickly sparked a following and a nickname “Singing Sam” because he would often sing to the crowd after he won a match. Continue reading “SAM JORDAN”

Judge Joseph Gamble Kennedy was born in Tennessee and earned his B.A. in his home state. His career first started as a teacher and then he served as a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force during World War II. After the war, Kennedy moved to San Francisco and enrolled at Hastings College of Law. He earned his law degree in 1949 and quickly entered into private practice in the Bay Area. Continue reading “JUDGE JOSEPH GAMBLE KENNEDY”

Willie B. Kennedy is remembered throughout San Francisco for her effervescence and determination. She spent “60 years as a political and social activist,” serving as a member and trusted advisor to several boards, organizations, and commissions in San Francisco. Her efforts provided support and hope to low-income communities of color (Congressional Report). Continue reading “WILLIE B. KENNEDY”

LeRoy King was a devoted public servant whose only goal was to improve the lives of those who he served, considered “a tireless advocate for our communities and a champion for our residents” by Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi. LeRoy King was a pillar in San Francisco—especially in the Fillmore. Continue reading “LEROY KING”

Dr. Willis F. Kirk, Jr. was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1928. Kirk began playing the drums as early as the fourth grade. At the time, racial oppression embodied the aura of his hometown. His high school, Crispus Attucks High School, was built solely for the purpose of segregating black and white students. Kirk said, however, that “they [Ku Klux Klan] did us a favor because we ended up having the best arts programs” (Parish). Continue reading “DR. WILLIS F. KIRK, JR.”

Donneter Lane, wife of Rev. John Lane of Grace Baptist Church in Hunters Point, started her activism by interweaving her own spirituality and her hopes for an educational desegregation for San Francisco students (“Church Council”). In the 1960s, Donneter Lane helped create a desegregation plan for the San Francisco Unified School District, which allowed black students access to all schools. Her focus on school desegregation transcended into working with communities in San Francisco that were adversely affected by the War on Drugs that had just begun in places like Bayview–Hunters Point and the Western Addition. Continue reading “DONNETER LANE”

Orelia Langston, best known as director of the Western Addition Youth (WAY) Club, was a determined and selfless individual committed to unifying the lost youth in a district that was changing before their eyes. She offered them tools and guidance to assure their success in society, and thus prevent their victimization at the hands of an unjust system. Continue reading “ORELIA LANGSTON”