As we celebrate Black American History month this is a time to reflect on contributions made by many African Americans. One person that comes to mind is Barbara Jordan. Barbara Jordan was important because she had an impact on the African American community by being the first African American in the Texas Senate, a Civil Rights leader, a speaker for the Democratic National Convention, and she will always be remembered for her role in the Nixon impeachment. Jordan had many other accomplishments and she worked for the good of others until her death at the young age of 59.
“Barbara Jordan was born in Houston, TX on February 21, 1936, and she was one of three daughters of Benjamin Jordan and Arlyne Jordan.” (http://history.house.gov/People/Detail/16031)
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She also received a lot of support from the former president of the United States; Mr. Lyndon B. Johnson and in 1974 Jordan made a televised speech before the House Judiciary Committee.” (http://www.famousafricanamericans.org/barbara-jordan) Probably what Barbara is most recognized for is her role in the Nixon impeachment. In 1974, Jordan was responsible for delivering the opening remarks for the trial. (http://history.house.gov/People/Detail/16031) Her famous voice is remembered for saying, “My faith in the Constitution is whole," Jordan declared, "it is complete, it is total. And I am not going to sit here and be an idle spectator to the diminution, the subversion, the destruction of the Constitution.” (http://www.humanitiestexas.org/programs/tx-originals/list/barbara-jordan) This speech caused many Americans to take a second look at the Constitution and how this important document keeps people on the straight and narrow. Following this important era of her life, Johnson was recognized for her involvement in Civil Rights during 1975. “In 1975, when Congress voted to extend the Voting Rights Act of 1965, Jordan sponsored legislation that broadened the provisions of the act to include Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, and Asian Americans. Although she voted for busing to enforce racial desegregation in public schools, she was one of the few African–American Members
In 1963 she took part in the March on Washington and was there to witness Martin Luther King Junior’s “I Have a Dream” speech. She contributed to African American civil rights through these and many other supporting actions that her talents and career allowed her to
Eleanor Roosevelt helped the members of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) by
She obviously cares about the constitution. In conclusion Barbara Jordan’s speech at the house judiciary committee at Nixon’s impeachment hearing was an inspirational speech. Barbara Jordan won a seat in the Texas Senate in 1966. Being a part of the civil rights movement she strived for change and cared about her constitution she gave a great speech and it really showed that she would not stand or tolerate even the president to disobey to constitution.
Barbara Walters’ career brings words such as “legendary”, “pioneering”, and “inspirational” to mind. She was more than just any other pretty person that was on a TV screen. “Walters was born September 25, 1929, and grew up in Boston, Massachusetts”(world book). From an early age, she had been surrounded by celebrities, many people say this attributed to her relaxed manner while she interviewed people. Her father, Louis Edward Walters, had opened a string of nightclubs called the Latin Quarter.
Arguably the most significant civil rights activist in American history, led the boycott to victory. Consequently, the U.S. Supreme Court declared racial segregation for public transportation as unconstitutional. Here by, "***INSERT LAW -QUOTED**** BROWDER VS GALE 1956
She also concludes that Marshall “felt that the best way to change the country and gain equality for all was through the court system.” Marshall was an attorney of NAACP between 1934 and 1961. During this period, he argued thirty-two cases before the Supreme Court, prevailing in twenty-nine of them and earning himself the status of “Mr. Civil Rights” . As a result, in 1967 President Johnson appointed Thurgood Marshall as the first African American Justice to the United States Supreme Court. He accepted that it was “the right thing to do, the right time to do it, the right man and the right place.”
Barbara Jordan gave a powerful speech regarding President Nixon and his possible impeachment for the Watergate Scandal. Throughout the speech, Jordan expressed her standpoint and reasoning as to why Nixon should be impeached. The main argument that Jordan presents in this speech is that the President should be impeached due to his actions that jeopardize the people of the United States and the Constitution. Barbara Jordan uses a great deal of effective language within her speech. I found her to be very eloquent and expressive when she spoke.
Shirley was very active in the National Association of the Advancement of Colored People
In statement on the articles of impeachment, Barbara Jordan facts that proved Nixon to be irresponsible, dishonest and profoundly involved in illegal situations. Barbara outlined both logical and emotional reasons in her speech to convince the House of Reprenstatives, and the American public that the President Nixon should be impeached. She stated that Nixon authorized break-ins at Democratic campaign headquarters in Washington and that he was involved in many political dirty tricks and improprieties. She added also that the President Nixon had tearing the Constitution and if he he is not stopped, he will use his power given by the White House to commit more crimes. Barbara was emotional and showed that she loves her country which is not the
To accomplish social equality and justice has been a long controversial issue in U.S. history. Voting Rights Act of 1965 should be understood as a tremendous accomplishment today because it not only represent a symbol of the triumph of fighting social injustice, but also open the first gate for African American and minority to strive for more political power in order to create a “great society.”
How much of American history do you know? Black history is a part of America’s history, but why is it not deeply taught in schools? In schools we often talk about white American leaders or wars America has won, but not much history of other cultures in America. We may hear a little information about certain minority leaders who fought for a change, but not much facts. If today’s youth aren’t being taught about the thing’s their ancestors have gone through and all the things that has happened and why, many will grow up ignorant.
By showing that she can do that she is setting examples that anyone can do anything they just have to put in the work and never give up not matter what. Like Katherine Johnson known as the woman who loved to count, she also had many other wonderful things in her life like being a wife ,mother, and a right to freedom in history. Her life has inspired many young women around the world to stand for what they want in life and don't hold back and also respect people and make sure they respect
Pick up a history book, flip through its pages, and find a section(s) dedicated to African Americans. There will be a supercut of slavery and a few inventors, enough to count on one’s hand. Ultimately, only the historical characters that are considered salient are provided, which are white educators, Presidents, legislators, advocates, inventors, etc. This issue engenders the remaining reason to advocate Black History Month. “Carter G. Woodson was the sole individual responsible for creating Negro History Week in Washington, D.C., in February 1926” (Edmondson).
Rosa Parks Rosa Parks was a woman with great confidence in what she believed in. She was a Civil Rights Activist who refused to give up her seat on the Alabama bus which started the 381-day Montgomery Bus Boycott. It helped start a nationwide effort to end segregation of public facilities. Later she received the NAACP’s highest award. As she grew older she received over 10 awards for her great accomplishments When Rosa parks had chronic tonsils all through her childhood.
Many people were brutally beaten and there were also some that lost their lives, because of it. Lyndon B Johnson begins his speech his by convincing his listener that he will flight for what is owed to the Negros. That is the equal right to vote regardless of your race. The speech “We Shall Overcome”, speech gets to the core of the problem within the Legislation itself. He wants to see that everyone will abide by the 15th Amendment that gives Negros the right and the privilege to vote without any recourse, without worrying