Abstract
When Barbara Jordan stepped to the podium at the 1976 Democratic National Convention, she made history as the first African American keynote speaker at a major political party's nominating convention. Rather than giving a traditional keynote address, Jordan played the part of an Old Testament prophet with a new commandment to give to the people. This study analyzes Jordan's address as a modern covenant speech to better understand her speech and this new rhetorical form. As utilized by Jordan, this unique type of prophetic discourse includes the praising of a blessed people, the giving of a new command, and the calling on the people to obey. Implications concerning Jordan's address and the covenant speech rhetorical form are discussed.