In 2009, Courtney Jordan was a student at North Carolina Central University (NCCU), one of the nation’s proud Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). At that time, Jordan was not the philanthropist and advocate that many know today, but the experience that would shape his career and life was already taking root.
A Moment of Clarity on Jones Street
It was a crisp day in Raleigh, North Carolina, when Jordan, along with fellow HBCU students, prepared to walk the halls of the North Carolina state legislature for the first-ever HBCU Lobby Day. The goal was clear: to advocate for the resources and support that HBCUs so often lacked. As Jordan walked down Jones Street, the weight of the task ahead was palpable. Despite the challenges, he was determined.
Even then, Jordan did not have the financial resources or influence that he would come to possess in the years to follow. However, he carried with him a deep belief in the power of education and a vision of a future where HBCUs would receive the recognition and funding they deserved. The determination he felt that day laid the groundwork for his life’s work—work that would eventually expand far beyond advocating for HBCUs to encompass the broader mission of empowering underserved communities, building pathways to success, and fostering change through philanthropy and community engagement.
Recognizing the Need for Change
Jordan’s participation in HBCU Lobby Day marked one of the first instances where he saw, up close, the challenges that students of color faced in accessing the resources and opportunities they deserved. At the time, many HBCUs were underfunded, and the advocacy efforts for more financial support were often overlooked by decision-makers. Jordan, with his focus and passion for higher education, quickly recognized that this was just the beginning of a long journey that would require sustained effort, education, and advocacy. He understood that change wouldn’t come easily, but he was ready to push forward—no matter the obstacles in his way.
Though he didn’t have the resources he would later acquire, Jordan understood the value of using what he did have—his voice, his ambition, and his unwavering commitment to the mission. It wasn’t about waiting for everything to be perfect; it was about doing what he could with what he had and moving forward, step by step. This attitude would become one of his defining traits.
Building a Legacy of Empowerment
That day in 2009 marked a pivotal moment in Courtney Jordan’s journey. As he met with lawmakers, advocating for more resources and support for HBCUs, he also began to understand the power of advocacy and community organizing. He realized that true change requires more than just awareness—it requires action.
Over the years, Jordan’s career would evolve. He would go on to found the Courtney Jordan Foundation and serve as a philanthropist and advocate for the causes that mattered most to him—education, entrepreneurship, and youth empowerment. But it all began with those small, significant steps. It all began with Jordan’s willingness to act, even when he didn’t have all the answers or the financial backing. He showed up, he spoke up, and he made his voice heard.
A Vision for a Better Future
Now, looking back, Jordan’s commitment to equity and access to opportunity is clear. Whether through his advocacy for HBCUs, his work with underserved communities, or his philanthropic initiatives, Jordan has always believed in the potential of individuals—regardless of their race, background, or economic status. His early experiences taught him that the road to success is often challenging, but it is always worth the effort.
Jordan’s work is not only about making a difference in his own community but also about expanding that mission across the country and internationally. His work with CJF America and other initiatives is about creating opportunities for all people—no matter their socio-economic status—just as he once advocated for the students of HBCUs. His focus on entrepreneurship, education, and youth empowerment mirrors the goals he fought for on Jones Street over a decade ago. Today, those goals continue to guide his path, and his impact on countless individuals speaks volumes about the power of perseverance, passion, and purpose.
From One Voice to Many
Looking back, Courtney Jordan’s experience in 2009 was a turning point—a moment when his vision for a more just and equitable future began to take shape. What started as a walk down Jones Street in Raleigh grew into a lifelong commitment to advocating for change. Through CJF America, his work continues to reflect his early dedication to youth, education, and opportunity. And as he continues to shape the future of philanthropy and advocacy, one thing remains certain: Jordan’s journey will always be grounded in the belief that no matter the challenges, it’s always worth fighting for a brighter, more equitable future.