Courtney Jordan’s journey from a student advocate for HBCUs in 2009 to a seasoned philanthropist and leader has been marked by a series of influential encounters and a deepening understanding of how to create lasting change. One such encounter occurred after his participation in the first-ever HBCU Lobby Day, when Jordan met Mayor William V. “Bill” Bell of Durham, North Carolina. This meeting had a lasting impact on Jordan, shifting his focus from state and national advocacy to a more localized approach to change. Over the years, Mayor Bell would become a close ally and mentor, and his influence would shape Jordan’s view on the critical importance of local elections and civic participation.
The Shift to Local Advocacy
In the early stages of his advocacy work, Jordan focused primarily on larger-scale issues like national education reform and the challenges faced by historically underfunded institutions. However, his perspective evolved significantly after meeting Mayor Bell. The conversation with the mayor, who was serving as Durham’s leader at the time, revealed to Jordan how impactful local leaders and elections truly are. While national issues matter, the way communities are shaped starts with local leadership, policies, and decisions that affect everyday lives.
Jordan came to understand that local elections often have the most direct and immediate impact on people’s day-to-day experiences. From education and housing to healthcare and employment, the local government plays a critical role in ensuring that communities thrive. This insight deeply resonated with Jordan, and he became passionate about instilling this understanding in others—especially in the youth he worked with through CJF America.
Empowering Youth: The Importance of Civic Engagement
Over the years, Mayor Bill Bell became a frequent guest at various CJF America events, particularly those celebrating and empowering youth. Mayor Bell’s active involvement in community programs allowed him to speak directly to the young people who were just beginning to understand the significance of civic participation. He emphasized the importance of local elections, encouraging youth to stay informed and active in their communities. The mayor made it a point to show the youth that their voices mattered—and that their involvement could influence the future of their neighborhoods, cities, and even entire states.
For Jordan, these events provided an invaluable opportunity to bridge the gap between local government and the young people he served. He wanted them to understand that change doesn’t just happen on a national scale—it happens in every city and town, through the decisions made by local leaders. Jordan emphasized the power young people had in shaping the future of their communities, both through voting and active participation in local issues.
A Legacy of Civic Engagement
Jordan’s commitment to local advocacy and civic education is a core part of his philanthropic philosophy today. Through CJF America, he has worked to provide young people with the tools, resources, and education to become active participants in their communities. By prioritizing local elections and issues, Jordan hopes to inspire a generation of youth who are not only aware of their rights but are also equipped to take action.
As Jordan looks back on his own journey, meeting with Mayor Bill Bell remains one of the most pivotal moments in his career. It was through this relationship that he learned the importance of local government and became determined to ensure that every young person he worked with understood the power they had to affect change. Mayor Bell’s advocacy for youth empowerment and civic engagement will continue to inspire Jordan’s work with CJF America, where the mission remains clear: to equip youth with the knowledge and confidence to make a difference, both locally and beyond.
A Final Thought
As Jordan continues his work with CJF America, he carries the lessons he learned from Mayor Bill Bell forward. His belief in the importance of local elections, civic engagement, and youth empowerment is at the heart of his philanthropic work. The future of Durham, North Carolina, and communities across the nation rests in the hands of the youth. By making sure their voices are heard—whether at the polls, in town halls, or through grassroots efforts—Jordan and his team aim to build a future where every individual’s voice is valued, and every community thrives.
Jordan’s work with local leaders like Mayor Bill Bell ensures that the legacy of advocacy and participation will continue to grow, teaching the next generation the importance of being active, informed, and engaged citizens.