On May 9, 1974, the U.S. House Judiciary Committee began historic impeachment hearings to determine whether to recommend the removal of President Richard Nixon over the Watergate scandal. Among the 38 committee members were two trailblazing African American legislators: Representative Barbara Jordan of Texas and Representative John Conyers Jr. of Michigan. Their presence marked a profound moment in American democracy—not only were they contributing to a pivotal constitutional process, but they also represented the evolving role of Black leadership in government oversight. Jordan, in particular, would later deliver a landmark televised speech affirming the principles of the Constitution, becoming an icon of integrity and justice.
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