Savannah’s African American Monument that reflects family has been a feature on River Street for 17 years, and on July 26, it will get an addition: a plaque recognizing the woman who crusaded for its creation and the organization that supported her.

The Consortium of Doctors, a women’s organization that focuses on encouraging African-American women to earn terminal academic degrees and then give back to the community, will make the addition of the plaque a highlight of its annual conference, which will be held in Savannah this year from July 25-28. The ceremony is scheduled for noon on July 26 — one day before the anniversary of the monument’s original dedication back in 2002 — on River Street, behind Savannah City Hall. The ceremony is open to the public.

With that installation, the monument will bear recognition of the late Dr. Abigail Jordan, an educator who led the effort to have it erected.

The latest addition was spurred by Jordan’s death early this year.

“Actually, it started with her son, Ken Jordan, who grew up here in Savannah and now lives in Atlanta,” said Dr. Phyllis Qualls, director of the Consortium of Doctors (COD) group. “He wanted to focus on her legacy. She worked so hard to spearhead the movement for the monument to be in existence.”

The existing plaque on the monument, which includes a now-obsolete call for funding for a monument now paid for, will be replaced by one which includes information about Jordan and her group’s role in its creation, said Leah Michalak, historic preservation director for the Metropolitan Planning Commission. It also includes the name of the sculptor, Dorothy Spradley.

Jordan was also the founder of the Consortium, and her life and legacy will be the focus of much of the group’s gathering in Savannah. The annual meetings tend to be held in Savannah every other year, rotating to larger cities in other years.

The COD has a membership of more than 150 women, spread out over 11 states, according to Savannahian Dr. Marguerite T. Birt, who is co-chairing the conference with Carolyn B. Thomas of Evanston, Illinois.

Birt said the four-day conference begins July 25 with an evening reception hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Bob James. Friday’s events include the ceremony at the monument, a tour of First African Baptist Church, and the Think Tank, a project the group carries out with young people. Saturday of the convention period will include additional activities with young people, induction of new members, and the Bouquet of Doctors banquet featuring a tribute to Jordan. The event concludes July 28 when the group’s members wear their academic regalia to church services at First African Baptist Church.

Jordon died in Atlanta Jan. 7, 2019, at the age of 93. She was a product of the Wilcox County school system, and earned her undergraduate degree in 1948 from what is now known as Albany State College. She added a master of arts degree from Atlanta University in 1953 and a doctorate from the University of Georgia in 1979. She taught at both the elementary and high school levels before going on to teach in higher education at both Atlanta University and Savannah State University.