GOOD MORNING, POU!
We continue our look at memorable African-American speakers at the Democratic National Convention with….
BARBARA CHARLINE JORDAN
(1936-1996)
Democratic National Convention Keynote Address
New York, NY – July 12, 1976
From “A Voice That Could Not Be Stilled”:
Impressed with her eloquence and rising stature in the party, the Democrats chose her to deliver the keynote address at the 1976 Democratic national convention. She was the first woman and the first African American to do so. Her speech, which addressed the themes of unity, equality, accountability and American ideals, was considered by many to be the highlight of the convention and helped to rally support for Jimmy Carter’s presidential campaign.
PART I:
PART II:
READ THE FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE.
1992 Democratic Convention Keynote Address
New York, NY – July 13, 1992
From C-SPAN.org:
Former Texas Representative Barbara Jordan delivered the final keynote address of the first evening of proceedings in the 1992 Democratic National Convention. Rep. Jordan spoke on “Change: From What, to What?” and advocated an agenda of change for the Democratic Party in policies governing education, civil rights, health care, the environment and other political issues. She also exhorted the Democratic Party to change its reputation from “tax and spend” to “investment and growth,” and further stated, “We must frankly acknowledge our complicity in the creation of the unconscionable budget deficit.” During her speech, she recalled Los Angeles police beating trial plaintiff Rodney King’s question, “Can we all get along?” and answered it with a resounding “Yes!” She called for reason, not passion, to guide the nation in solving its problems.
READ THE FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE.