Celebrating Lives, Mourning Deaths: Ubora Awards Winners Who Have Recently Passed

The Ubora Award recognizes African American leaders who have made a significant impact on their community, above and beyond. As the Museums prepare to celebrate the thirtieth Ubora Award winner, we pause to give thanks for the remarkable lives of two Ubora Award winners who recently passed away: Raymond A. Jordan and Barbara Lanier.

In 2003, the African Hall Subcommittee recognized the Honorable Raymond A. Jordan for his dedication to the City of Springfield, whose advocacy and action secured funds to improve housing, opened opportunities for minority-owned businesses, and significantly increased representation of and by African Americans in government.  The first Black state legislator and a strong, influential Democratic leader, Jordan was also dedicated to his local community. His dedication to fostering pride, dignity and accomplishment in the Black community included founded the Upper State Street Development Corporation for the revitalization of Winchester Square and the “5A Program” (Academic, Athletic, Arts, Achievement Association, Inc.) to provide positive alternatives for urban youth.  The City of Springfield’s Raymond A. Jordan Senior Center is named for Jordan.

He died February 5, 2022.

Together with her husband Jesse, Barbara Lanier was honored with a Ubora Awardin 2004. Founders and owners of Springfield Food System Inc., the Laniers were known for hiring young people, single parents and physically challenged individuals from many ethnic backgrounds.

Mrs. Lanier served on the boards of the Greater Springfield YMCA and the Springfield Chapter of Girl Friends, Inc., and was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She was a life member of the NAACP and a member of St. John’s Congregational Church in Springfield.

Lanier died January 14, 2022.

We mourn their passing and give thanks for their lives.