Meaning: In the quote "The last job I applied for was to be a bus driver for the Chicago Transit Authority in 1957," Vernon Jordan, a prominent American businessman and civil rights leader, reflects on a pivotal moment in his life. This quote provides a glimpse into Jordan's early career aspirations and the path that eventually led him to become a leading figure in the civil rights movement and a successful business executive.

Born in 1935 in Atlanta, Georgia, Vernon Jordan grew up in a segregated society where opportunities for African Americans were limited. Despite the racial barriers he faced, Jordan was determined to pursue his ambitions and make a difference in the world. His experience of applying for a job as a bus driver in 1957 sheds light on the challenges and discrimination that African Americans encountered in the job market during that era.

During the 1950s, racial segregation and discrimination were pervasive in the United States, particularly in the South. African Americans were often relegated to menial and low-paying jobs, and were frequently denied equal employment opportunities. The quote reflects the limited career options available to African Americans at the time, as well as the systemic barriers that prevented them from advancing in their chosen professions.

For Jordan, the act of applying for a job as a bus driver symbolizes his determination to challenge the status quo and pursue opportunities that were traditionally closed off to people of color. It also speaks to his resilience and refusal to be defined by the racial prejudices of the time. Despite the obstacles he faced, Jordan continued to strive for success and pursue his ambitions, eventually becoming a trailblazer in the fields of law, business, and civil rights.

Following his experience with the Chicago Transit Authority, Jordan went on to attend DePauw University and then Howard University School of Law, where he earned his law degree. He became actively involved in the civil rights movement, working alongside leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and serving as the Georgia field director for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Jordan's commitment to advancing civil rights and promoting racial equality would define his career and cement his legacy as a tireless advocate for social justice.

In the 1960s, Jordan's career took a significant turn when he joined the Voter Education Project, an organization dedicated to increasing African American voter registration in the South. His work in this capacity further solidified his reputation as a dedicated and effective leader in the fight for civil rights. Jordan's influence continued to grow, and he eventually became a trusted advisor to President Bill Clinton and a respected figure in corporate America, serving on the boards of numerous companies and organizations.

Throughout his life, Vernon Jordan's experiences and accomplishments have served as an inspiration to many, particularly those who continue to face discrimination and adversity in pursuit of their goals. The quote about his job application as a bus driver in 1957 encapsulates the resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to equality that have defined his remarkable journey. It serves as a reminder of the progress that has been made in the struggle for civil rights, while also highlighting the ongoing challenges that remain in the pursuit of true equality and justice for all.