How did Barbara Jordan impact society?

Answer 1

She became the first African American state senator since 1883 and the first black woman to serve in that body, became the first African-American woman to deliver the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention, and her speech in New York was ranked 5th in "Top 100 American speeches of the 20th century"

Answer 2

Barbara Jordan (1936-1996), a Democrat, was the first African-American woman to serve in the Texas legislature. She was elected to the Texas senate in 1966, and sponsored or was involved with key legislation promoting the rights of African-Americans, women, and the poor.

In 1972, Jordan was elected to the 93rd U.S. Congress, making history as the first Southern African-American woman to sit in the House of Representatives. While in the House, she campaigned for extension of equal voting rights to non-English-speaking Native Americans, Alaskans natives, Hispanics, and Asian-Americans.

Jordan is perhaps best remembered for her "We the People" speech, which some interpret as a commentary on race, but which was actually intended to support impeachment hearings for then-President Richard M. Nixon over the Watergate scandal. There is a link to the video and full transcript of her speech in the Related Links section, below.

Jordan was honored as the keynote speaker at the 1976 Democratic National Convention, where she nominated Jimmy Carter as the party's new Presidential candidate.

Reflecting on changes that had taken place in civil rights since the emancipation, she said the following:

"One hundred and forty-four years ago, members of the Democratic Party met for the first time in convention to select their presidential candidate. Since that time, Democratshave continued to convene once every four years to draft a party platform and nominate a presidential candidate. Our meeting this week continues that tradition. But there is something different about tonight. There is something special about tonight. What is different? What is special? I, Barbara Jordan, am a keynote speaker."

Her comments were well received.

Jordan left Congress in 1978 to accept a professorship at the University of Texas Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, in Austin, TX.

Barbara Jordan was voted one of the most influential women of the 20th century, and inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 1990. In 1992, she again served as keynote speaker at the Democratic National Convention, where she had the pleasure of nominating Bill Clinton.

President Clinton awarded Barbara Jordan the prestigious Congressional Medal of Freedom in 1992, in recognition of her important contribution to equal rights and American politics.

Answer 3

Barbara Jordan was the first African American Congresswoman to reresent Texas in her own right, rahter than as a stand-in for a husband. She went to college at Texas Southern University and later on went to Boston University Law School. Also, she was a great speaker.

Answer 4

Barbara Jordan was born on February 21, 1936.

Answer 5

Texas