Vernon Can Read!

by Vernon E. Jordan Jr., Annette Gordon-Reed

The civil rights leader, attorney, and former head of the National Urban League recounts his boyhood in segregated Atlanta, his career, and the social changes he helped to bring about.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Biography, History, Biography Memoir

10 pages, Audio Cassette

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Victor McGuire · Rating 4 out of 5]

To me, a quiet leader that we just don't hear enough about, maybe he likes it that way.
Well said Vernon, excellent account of a great story.

[Michelle Mormul · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Well not really I listen to it, and Vernon Jordan himself read it aloud.

[Isla McKetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book over a decade ago because I was a poli sci wonk who wanted to go into government. I finally started reading it this week because I wanted to know more about the history of civil rights in the US. What I learned from it, though, was about leadership, drive, and perseverance. Written in a matter of fact memoir style (which is not my favorite), this book is clear, inspiring, and educational.

[Laura Burdick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book in a little free library in my neighborhood, and it looked interesting, so I picked it up. I had never heard of Vernon Jordan before, but he led a fascinating life as a civil rights leader. I appreciated his perspective and story in this book and learned a lot! Sometimes a random book from a little free library really surprises you :)

[Pandora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed it. I had the pleasure of meeting him in 1996 at the summer Olympics and the book gave great information on his life and background

[Cecilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating memoir about Vernon Jordan Jr., a major figure in the Civil Rights movement from the nineteen sixties to the eighties.

Jordan Jr.'s early life in Atlanta, Georgia and his parents' focus and encouragement on education and personal success for their children was a springboard to an amazing life for Vernon. He grew up wanting to become a lawyer yet neither of his parents had a college education, even though they were successful at their chosen careers. As a young man, Jordan became the field director for the Georgia NAACP, worked subsequently on VEP, the Voter Education Project. He left to become the director of the UNCF, the United Negro College Fund, and later was asked to be the director of the National Urban League, which gave him direct experience with white corporate America where he worked to support integrating American businesses and supporting the black middle class.

Along the way, Jordan used his amazing oratory skills giving speeches, speaking to Presidents and corporate boards he was invited to join, and exploring new ways to promote civil rights and educate both white and black Americans.

This was a great read for me as I had read about Constance Baker Motley in "Civil Rights Queen" by
by Tomiko Brown-Nagin this year. Constance Baker Motley, who grew up in New Haven, CT and also aspired to become a lawyer, who worked for the NAACP with Thurgood Marshall, and was a court lawyer who helped black college students win their cases against their southern colleges and also who assisted with crafting the Supreme Court Cases that led to Brown v Board of Education. These two books dovetailed in their timeline, and many of the civil rights leaders crossed paths during the time.

Highly recommend.

[Franklin Codel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, wow, wow. What an amazing man and leader - and what an amazing book. I thoroughly enjoyed “Vernon can Read”, which was written about 20 years ago and are the memoirs of Vernon Jordan. I was aware of bits and pieces of his life, but reading the book helped me to more fully understand the evolution of the civil rights struggles, what it was like to be a Black man from the 60’s to the ‘90’s, and what changes have occurred. All that is well and good, but what really hit home was the leadership messages, thinking, grace, and empathy of Mr Jordan. One episode that particularly struck me was in the early 1980’s while Vernon was in the hospital recovering from a gunshot wound, Ronald Reagan came to pay him a visit. He and Reagan had sparred a bit but they respected each other. Vernon then returned the favor a year or so later. I contrasted that to today’s civic and political leaders and the level of animosity and absence of civility that is present today. Some may say Vernon’s values and approach represent a bygone era. I see his values and leadership style as timeless.

I had the chance to meet Vernon for a couple minutes about ten years ago. He had a powerful presence and I only wish I understood his story then like I do now. I have had the pleasure of working with and getting to know his daughter, Vickee, and she is an amazing woman in her own right.

I can’t recommend the book highly enough. Easy to read and intriguing. A life well lived, indeed.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title pretty much says it all, until you recognize the historical and still-lingering implications.

I am also very touched with the impetus of Jordan’s writing this book in that in the generations following the 1960s, there not the same handed-down story connections that previous generations were given and crucially, lived through. Therefore, there is no attachment, nor grounded meaning regarding the history of segregation and subsequently, the fight toward how it formally ended. Personally, it’s one thing for me to learn and appreciate the history and the dynamics behind it. However, it’s quite another realm when the story comes from one who has lived it, tells his/her story. Jordan’s niece response in what she would have done, as opposed to what her aunt did, provided a live reminder – which are being lost in the direct sense- as to what my generation onwards, now take for granted to some degree.

I really enjoyed this memoir as it illustrates the expectations (of parents and subsequently, the wider world, which are still at odds) in terms of what a person based upon one’s phenotype (race/gender) ‘can’ achieve. Although the educational (both formal in informal), professional and corporate climbs seem smooth for Jordan (for clarity), the bumps due to the expectations of others, and one’s own resolve is nevertheless demonstrated throughout the book. There is also the personal battle between taking work that one is qualified to do, and wants to do, against also being able to support one’s family and still overall, bring people who are excluded because of their race/gender (and now, sexual orientation, which is not covered in the book), into professions and opportunities in general that they can explore and excel in!

The crux of the book is how far one is willing despite the expectation to do well (from parents) versus those who wish that one not want to explore, let alone excel in professions and opportunities in which those who wish to maintain the status quo feel and want to uphold their power in. It is still a ceiling that anyone considered and physically different from what still makes up the status quo still face, even in the twenty-first century! Yet, as I began this paragraph, that is where it, and the book ends: How far are people willing to push themselves, see and strive toward the light at the end of the tunnel, while bearing the brunt and subtle barriers toward one’s striving to reach the light at the end of the tunnel? Unless one tries, commits and strives to succeed, one does not know how far one can go! That is the point of Jordan’s book. Along the way, one learns about oneself, people (good and bad) and insights on both, and life that one would not otherwise, consider let alone come to know via the experience.

[Kristi Duarte · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's difficult for someone who didn't grow up in the US to comprehend how it was possible that African Americans were treated so badly. And they still are, in many ways. But reading Vernon Jordan's memoir gives a very honest and sober insight into what life was like 70, 50, even 30 years ago (the story stops in the late 80s) for non-whites. I'm completely fascinated by memoirs like this, where someone from a poor and background rises above and beats all odds, often due to their mother's insistence that they receive a good education. Another book I highly recommend is "The Other Wes Moore."

As some reviewers have mentioned, the style of writing is dry, and there's a fair amount of namedropping. But despite that, I give the book five stars and bow my head to Mr. Vernon Jordan in awe and great appreciation.

[Ebony Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! I love to read stories of someone fighting to achieve their dreams from humble beginnings. I read this book about three years ago when I got it at Barnes & Noble. My daughter and husband enjoyed Mr. Jordan's story too! This is a great book that would motivate anyone to fight for their dreams and never listen to anyone that won't support you in achieving greatness in your life!

[Amber Berry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I own this book. For some reason, I happened to listen to the book on tape after I purchased it. I recommend listening to Vernon Jordan tell his story in his own voice. It carries a deeper meaning when hearing it with the inflections he uses.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audio version of this book, read by the author, which I found very interesting. Vernon Jordan himself is a fascinating man -- you get insight not only into his life, the tragedies he faced and his impressive accomplishments, but his philosophy of life. This philosophy was key to why he was able to overcome severe challenges, as well as earn the respect of so many leaders in the Civil Rights movement, corporate boardrooms and the highest levels of government. He's someone you wish you knew and could have as a mentor! Because the book spans about 2 decades from the late 50s to the early 80s, it is a good primer on the Civil Rights movement. Learning about the mission and roots of the NAACP, United Negro College Fund, Urban League and the Who's Who of those who lead them was really an eye-opener. Highly recommend!

[Bruce Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vernon can Read took me a while to read. I picked up this copy about twenty years ago at talk given by Vernon Jordan. I wish, I had read it twenty years ago. I found the book informative, and discovered that Vernon Jordan accomplished many things. I recommend this book to anyone that wants to learn about the civil rights movement sixty years ago through the mid eighties.

This book is definitely worth reading. A bit dry, but contains much useful history and information. A remarkable man that most of us have never heard of.

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vernon Jordan is an honorable man who tirelessly worked to improve civil rights for Back Americans. The book gives compelling arguments for rights for ALL Americans, as well as personal stories of injustices and suffering. The parts I most connected with were the pride Black students and parents felt when they or their children graduated from college and the personal stories Jordan tells of his parents and family life. Though I wish the book had been shorter, as it sometimes became tedious for me when he on about the jobs he held and awards he won.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I alternately read and listened to this book. The audio version is narrated by Mr. Jordan and his speaking voice is wonderful.

It is wonderful to have the audio because he is no longer with us. He died in 2021.

This book is a triumphant story of a life well lived and an American history lesson combined.

Very much enjoyed.

[Tony Britt · Rating 4 out of 5]

An American success story. The author's mother created an extremely driven son who became rich & famous. The story is what happened, how & why, but it lacks any personal, emotional insight. Despite how at times the narrative comes off as having the last word to his detractors, any success achieved by Black people in our nation of systemic white supremacy is miraculous & an engaging story.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of our libraries One Book, One Community reads before I became interested and started attending. I wanted to go back and read the "community" books that I had missed and slowly but surely I'm doing that. This was certainly an interesting book and I wish that I had been able to attend Mr. Jordan's presentation. I'm sure he would have been an informative and inspiring speaker.

[Arion Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book felt like the sermon he always wanted to preach. Phenomenal story of luck defined by preparation meeting opportunity. Such a great man for the work he did to promote equity and equality for Black people

[Troy Newby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great autobiography of Vernon Jordan life. Very in-depth about the journey of being an African American in a job field that does not have a lot of people who look like himself within it. It was very inspiring and a must read

[Rafael Suleiman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good memoir of Vernon E. Jordan, Jr..

[Char Angels · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the journey.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

This was truly a great an inspirational book on a mans journey through faith and knowledge. Inspiring read for all people.

[David Tyoember · Rating 5 out of 5]

transformative

[Kafizola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Should be required reading for all high school and first year college students.

[Redemption 87 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book; but later on in life he joined the ranks of the black misleadership class!

[Dietrich West-Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vernon Jordan an excellent read about a great Black family I wish he had said more about his brother and his wife still a good read.

[Larisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book…. covering the relationships and choices that shaped the future of Vernon Jordan, who has become a legendary figure of our time.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed his story and I'm grateful he read it!!!

[Adam Knott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book about an amazing man! There are so many lessons to absorb. I recommend this memoir to anyone interested in history, leadership, civil rights, and networking.

[Teja]

Iconic. I reference this all the time. It's due for a reread soon.