PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Karen Asper Jordan has led the Philadelphia effort to fight for justice, equality and civil rights for decades.
She teaches Philly youth about her teenage years fighting under the guidance of civil rights activist Cecil B. Moore, when they protested for the desegregation of Girard College.
“We knew we were going to make a difference,” she remembered. “That’s what kept us going. And we were young and we believed, and he was a leader that was taking on the establishment.
“He wasn’t afraid of the police. We weren’t either.”
Asper Jordan was recognized as a Cecil B. Moore Freedom Fighter and now serves as president of that organization.
She has worked closely with the staff at Girard College, providing educational programs about the history of the protests.
She believes everyone should practice civic engagement.
“You’re letting other people see you, letting the children see, because they watch us. But when they see that you care, and they see that you put your foot forward, they’ll take a step too,” she said.
“You don’t want to give up the rights.”
During Black History Month, KYW Newsradio’s GameChangers honors 10 individuals or organizations that have made a significant, positive impact in communities of color in the greater Philadelphia region. KYW community affairs reporter Racquel Williams will host an evening honoring this year’s awardees on Feb. 22. View the 2023 honorees here.