Barbara Jordan made the first major convention keynote speech by a black American person .
Her 1974 statement on the articles of impeachment ( regarding President Richard Nixon ) was listed as # 13 in American Rhetoric 's Top 100 Speeches of the 20th Century ( listed by rank ) .Her 1976 DNC keynote address was listed as # 5 in American Rhetoric 's Top 100 Speeches of the 20th Century ( listed by rank ) .