Blondie P. Jordan, former president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Florida Council, was a strong advocate for workers’ rights.  She was the daughter of Georgia sharecroppers and a single parent raising six children, and credits those struggles for making her an advocate for women in the workplace. 

Ms. Jordan’s determination to improve workers’ rights – particularly pay equity for women – began after she got a job at the Sunland Hospital in Orlando in 1974 and realized that women workers were treated differently than their male counterparts.  Her experience turned into activism, and her co-workers elected her President and steward of the AFSCME Local 1967.

In 1982, Ms. Jordan was elected the first African-American International Vice President chosen from a southern state, representing the Caribbean Puerto Rico and Panama.  The next year, she was elected president of Council 79, after defeating two other candidates.  

Ms. Jordan passed away in 2001.

Mayor Dyer will call on Commissioner Hill, who will give a brief history about Ms. Jordan and then read the proclamation.  Commissioner Hill will join Ms. Jordan's family members in front of the dais for a photograph.