In Barbara Jordan: American Hero, Mary Beth Rogers defines a hero as someone who “breaks through.” Barbara Jordan broke through many barriers in her life. She was the first African-American to be elected to the Texas state senate following the reconstruction years. She broke through the discriminations of a man-dominated profession, and she broke through her own pain and suffering. Barbara wasn’t a martyr; the only titles she would accept for herself were patriot, …showed first 75 words of 569 total…

…showed last 75 words of 569 total…people who are less fortunate or discriminated against. Barbara was not a martyr. She never stopped doing the things she wanted to because of her color, gender, or physical disabilities. Although I am impressed by her strength and determination to not let her illness interfere with her life, and to go on as if nothing was wrong, I am saddened by the fact she didn’t look for more strength in her friends and family.