Ms. Torrence-Thompson is an acclaimed writer with roots right here in Springfield. Her mother, Dr. Zylpha Mapp-Robinson, grew up here, and her aunt, Josephine Edmonds, still lives in Springfield with husband, Howie Edmonds. Next month, in celebration of National Poetry Month, POV will introduce you to this phenomenal talent through her biography. This month's selection was written by the author in

celebration of Women's History Month.

The Evening I Met Barbara Jordan

By Juanita Torrence-Thompson

The evening I met Barbara Jordan

She was inducted into

The African-American Hall of Fame.

I was with actress Cicely Tyson

heading for the VIP reception

when the elevator opened and out she came.

I extended my hand and said

"What a pleasure it is to meet you, Ms. Jordan."

She responded.

There she was, a giant of a woman.

She had once been called Congresswoman--

The first Black woman in the Texas state senate,

a prominent figure in the Watergate hearings.

Now she was called Professor and was molding young,

college minds in ethics at the University of Texas.

I asked for a picture with her. She agreed.

There I was, just like a kid

Who'd met her favorite movie star.

Barbara Jordan gave her acceptance speech.

"I tell my students" Jordan said,

"I want you to be able to say,

A right is that which is due to me

because it is right that I have my rights

because I am a human being

and I live and breathe and thrive."

'Yes, yes' I thought, 'this is wonderful stuff!'

Her voice which had magnificent resonance

rose to a deliberate crescendo.

"I have an entitlement to be treated with dignity and respect.

"We are not a people without talent;

we can do anything."

This brought the house down.

The evening I met Barbara Jordan

-- a kind, caring, gracious individual --

I saw greatness up close.

The evening I met Barbara Jordan I said

I'm proud to be an African-American.

The evening I met Barbara Jordan I said

I'm proud to be a woman.

The evening I met Barbara Jordan I said

I'm proud to be an American.