Didn’t jazz legends and Olympic gold medalists walk these halls? Right here at Jordan High School. This Los Angeles landmark has a story etched in its walls. Established in 1923, the school has been a pillar of the community.
Originally named David Starr Jordan High School, it honored the former president of Stanford University. However, in 2020, the name was shortened to Jordan High School. This change reflected the community’s desire to distance itself from David Starr Jordan’s association with eugenics.
Imagine this: the 1930s and 40s. Jordan High School became a breeding ground for West Coast jazz. Legends like Buddy Collette and Charles Mingus Jr. honed their skills here. Their music filled the hallways. It inspired generations.
But Jordan High School isn’t just about music. It’s also a powerhouse of athletic achievement. Hayes Edward Sanders, Florence Griffith-Joyner, and Kevin Young all walked these grounds. They brought home Olympic gold. Sanders was the first African American to win the Olympic Heavyweight Boxing Championship in 1952. Griffith-Joyner still holds world records in the 100 and 200 meters.
Earl Allen, a 1962 graduate, remembers a close-knit community. Black teachers, blocked from college careers, poured their expertise into Jordan High students. In 1962, Jordan had the district’s only Black high school principal.
The campus itself has a rich history. Five original structures, built between 1925 and 1927, still stand. They were renovated in the PWA Moderne style after the 1933 Long Beach earthquake. Sumner P. Hunt, a prominent Los Angeles architect, oversaw the remodeling.
In 2015, Jordan High School underwent extensive modernizations. Students were temporarily relocated while the campus was upgraded. The Los Angeles Unified School District invested 95 million dollars in the reconstruction.
Today, Jordan High School stands as a testament to resilience and change. Despite facing challenges, the school remains a vital resource for its students. It has adapted to the evolving needs of its diverse student body. The student body is now 82% Latino and 17% Black.
Jordan High School’s legacy is about the success of its alumni. It’s about famous musicians, athletes, and scholars. It’s about a community that comes together. It is a legacy that the Jordan High School community wanted to remember. The name represents the good times and the people who went there for an education.
As we stand here, we can feel the echoes of the past. The music, the cheers, the footsteps of champions. Jordan High School is more than just a building. It’s a symbol of hope, opportunity, and community pride. It is a place where dreams take flight. A place where legends are made. Jordan High School continues to shape the future.