House Joint Resolution 88 is a tribute to the late Dr. Harold Willoughby Jordan, a distinguished physician and the first Black commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Mental Health. The resolution expresses the General Assembly's sorrow at his passing and highlights his significant contributions to public service and mental health care in Tennessee. Dr. Jordan, born in Georgia in 1937, followed a family legacy in medicine, graduating as valedictorian from Warner High School and later attending Morehouse College and Meharry Medical College. He made history as the first Black resident at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and held various esteemed positions, including assistant professor and director of the Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic at Meharry.

The resolution also acknowledges Dr. Jordan's numerous accolades, including the Living Legends Award and the establishment of the Harold Jordan Lecture Series at Vanderbilt, which honors his commitment to diversity and social justice. It reflects on his deep faith, family life, and the lasting impact he had on his community and the field of psychiatry. The General Assembly extends its condolences to Dr. Jordan's family and recognizes his legacy of integrity, compassion, and dedication to public service.