Welcome Jordan School Classes Of

1913 - 1984!

On April 21, 2008 Mrs. Katrina A. Watford Gamble and Mr. Jason Wrenn (descendants of Joseph Fletcher Jordan) met with the intent of forming a group to recognize the historical, social, economic, and political role that the Suffolk Normal Training School (also known as the “Jordan Neighborhood House and the Jordan Kindergarten”) has played in this great country, the State of Virginia, and the City of Suffolk.

The Suffolk Normal Training School was founded in 1894 by the Universalist Unitarian Church, for black children not afforded the opportunity to attend public school because of segregation.  Over the years the enrollments grew from a few children to over 300 during the early 1900s. In addition to being an ordained Universalist Minister and Educator, Professor Jordan (as he was known),” read law” and published of a periodical called “The Colored Universalist”.

The impact that the Jordan Neighborhood House has had on this country reaches far and wide. Many prominent politicians, physicians, educators, and business people got their start there.

After his death, Professor Jordan's daughter, Annie B. Willis, took over and ran the school for many years; however, 1984 was the last year that the school was open.

The purpose of the Jordan School Reunion is to:

1. Keep the rich heritage that the Jordan School played in this community and state alive.
2. Recognize the youngest, oldest, and more prominent students still living.
3. Establish a scholarship which will benefit children whose roots are similar to the beginning of the Jordan Neighborhood House and who wish to make a significant contribution to their community.
4. Operate within the guidelines of a non-profit organization.
5. Ensure that funds used for this origination (even upon dissolving) will be used in accordance with IRS regulations 501 (c) (3) for educational purposes.

The descendants of Joseph Fletcher Jordan are the co-founders and organizers of this celebration and the establishers of the scholarship fund.

It is our sincere desire that all who read the provided information will see the need to recapture the rich heritage that this institution has made on this community and state. Additionally, we pray that you will partner with us as we establish a scholarship fund to immortalize the name and contribution of Professor Jordan and his staff, as we try to impact the lives of the people in our community through the development of youth leadership, in education.