Vernon Jordan, Civil Rights Activist And Power Broker, Dies At 85

Vernon Jordan has died at 85. He’s seen here in November of 1992, when he led then-President-elect Bill Clinton’s transition team.

Jennifer K. Law / AFP via Getty Images

Updated at 10:20 a.m. ET

Vernon Jordan, the civil rights lawyer who built a career as a power broker in politics and business, has died at age 85.

Jordan “passed away peacefully last evening surrounded by loved ones,” his daughter, Vickee Jordan, said in a statement sent to NPR. “We appreciate all of the outpouring of love and affection.”