Barbara Jordan is one of our heroes, so we were really excited when we had the opportunity to help launch the Barbara Jordan Freedom Foundation.

The idea for the foundation emerged when a group of individuals began meeting to consider how to carry on Barbara Jordan’s legacy. The diverse group was led by William B. Hilgers, Austin attorney and executor of her estate, and consisted of public servants, lawyers, doctors, educators, and friends.

The group decided by consensus to form a private, nonprofit foundation that would continue her fight against injustice.

Bill Hilgers invited us to establish the visual identity and articulate the foundation’s mission, vision, and values. We worked closely with Barbara Langham for writing and fund raising strategy.

We researched and curated a powerful collection of black and white photographs that would engage viewers emotionally and allow us to tell the hard truths about injustice.

The Barbara Jordan Freedom Foundation embodies the qualities of its namesake:

• Courage. Standing up for what is right, without shrinking from controversy.
• Autonomy. Steering an independent course, without regard to political party affiliation or ideology.
• Ethics. Acting in accordance with the law and the highest moral principles.
• Reason. Basing discussion and decisions on rational thinking — free of bias, stereotypes, and rashness.
• Compassion. Caring deeply about the problems and suffering of others.
• Accountability. Accepting responsibility for ourselves as individuals and for the common good.
• Leadership. Providing a vision of the future.