Quck answer
Shirley Chisholm was a trailblazing American politician and educator. She became the first African American woman elected to the United States Congress, representing New York’s 12th congressional district from 1969 to 1983. Chisholm was a passionate advocate for social justice, women’s rights, and civil rights. She co-founded the Congressional Black Caucus and fought for equal opportunities for marginalized communities. Chisholm also made history by running for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination in 1972, becoming the first Black woman to seek a major party’s nomination for President of the United States. Her legacy continues to inspire and empower generations of leaders.
Can you think of any groundbreaking politicians? Maybe your mind jumps to Barack Obama or Jeanette Rankin. You might think of Patsy Mink, Kamala Harris, or Marco Rubio. Or perhaps another name comes to mind—that of Shirley Chisholm!
Who was Shirley Chisholm? She was born on November 30, 1924. Her parents hailed from Guyana and Barbados, but Shirley was born in Brooklyn, New York. She grew up there and also spent part of her childhood in Barbados.
Chisholm always placed a high value on education. As a child, she excelled in school. Chisholm completed high school in 1942 and obtained a sociology degree from Brooklyn College in 1946. She also earned accolades as a member of her college debate team.
Soon after, Chisholm became a nursery school teacher and later the director of two daycare centers. In 1951, she earned a master’s degree in elementary education from Columbia University. She subsequently worked for New York City’s Bureau of Child Welfare.
By the mid-1960s, Chisholm felt a calling to serve her community in a different capacity. That’s why, in 1968, she ran for election to the U.S. House of Representatives. And she emerged victorious—Chisholm became the first Black woman to serve in Congress.
Shirley Chisholm represented New York’s 12th congressional district for 14 years. During that time, she had a significant impact on the nation and on Congress itself. In 1969, she played a key role in establishing the Congressional Black Caucus. Two years later, she co-founded the National Women’s Political Caucus. Both of these organizations still exist today, working to facilitate collaboration among lawmakers towards shared objectives.
Chisholm soon set her sights even higher. In 1972, she entered the race to become the Democratic candidate for U.S. president. She became the first Black person to seek nomination from a major political party. Chisholm was also only the second woman to do so.
Chisholm faced considerable opposition. Many individuals opposed her candidacy due to her race and gender. Several women in Congress and even members of the Congressional Black Caucus refused to support her. The Democratic Party even denied Chisholm the opportunity to participate in televised debates.
Nevertheless, Chisholm ran a formidable campaign. Her slogan was “Unbought and Unbossed.” This phrase also served as the title of a book she authored in 1970. She garnered support from a large number of young people, as well as many women and members of racial minority groups. In the end, Chisholm received 10 percent of the vote—a remarkable achievement considering the obstacles she faced.
Chisholm served in Congress until 1983. Afterwards, she taught at Mount Holyoke College and co-founded the National Political Congress of Black Women. In 1993, Chisholm was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame.
In 2005, Shirley Chisholm passed away at the age of 80. In 2015, President Barack Obama posthumously awarded her the Medal of Freedom. Today, she is remembered as a trailblazer who paved the way for others to follow in her footsteps.
Try It Out
Engage a friend or family member to assist you with the following activities.
- If you want to learn more about the life of Shirley Chisholm, you can read this article from National Geographic Kids. Afterward, share some interesting facts with a friend or family member.
- During Shirley Chisholm’s childhood, minorities faced significant disadvantages in terms of educational opportunities. However, Shirley excelled in school. Do you believe education is crucial for a successful life? Create a list of reasons why you think education is important. It could be for obtaining a good job, meeting new people, or exploring new places. Share your list with a friend or family member.
- Shirley Chisholm served as a member of the United States House of Representatives for the 12th District of New York. Do you know who your Congressional Representatives are? Ask a friend or family member to help you find out who represents your area. You can also learn about their backgrounds, such as where they went to school and what other jobs they’ve had.
Recommended Sources
- https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/shirley-chisholm (accessed on 08 Nov. 2021)
- https://history.house.gov/People/Listing/C/CHISHOLM,-Shirley-Anita-(C000371)/ (accessed on 08 Nov. 2021)
- https://www.biography.com/political-figure/shirley-chisholm (accessed on 08 Nov. 2021)
- https://www.archives.gov/research/african-americans/individuals/shirley-chisholm (accessed on 08 Nov. 2021)
- https://learnersdictionary.com/ (accessed on 08 Nov. 2021)
FAQ
1. Who was Shirley Chisholm?
Shirley Chisholm was an American politician and educator who became the first African American woman elected to the United States Congress. She was born on November 30, 1924, in Brooklyn, New York, and grew up in a working-class family. Chisholm served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1969 to 1983, representing the 12th congressional district of New York. She was a vocal advocate for civil rights, women’s rights, and social justice throughout her political career.
2. What were Shirley Chisholm’s accomplishments?
Shirley Chisholm had several notable accomplishments during her career. Apart from being the first African American woman elected to Congress, she was also the first African American candidate for a major party’s nomination for President of the United States in 1972. Chisholm was known for her tireless advocacy for marginalized communities and her commitment to fighting for equality and justice. She co-founded the Congressional Black Caucus and served on several important committees during her time in Congress.
3. How did Shirley Chisholm impact American politics?
Shirley Chisholm had a significant impact on American politics. Her historic election to Congress broke barriers and inspired many women and people of color to get involved in politics. Chisholm’s unapologetic voice and strong advocacy for marginalized communities challenged the status quo and pushed for progressive change. She paved the way for future generations of diverse politicians and helped shape the conversation around civil rights, women’s rights, and social justice in America.
4. What is Shirley Chisholm’s legacy?
Shirley Chisholm’s legacy is one of trailblazing and empowerment. She showed that anyone, regardless of their race or gender, could achieve significant political success and make a difference. Chisholm’s legacy continues to inspire individuals to fight for equality, representation, and justice. Her contributions to American politics and her dedication to marginalized communities have left a lasting impact, reminding us of the importance of diversity and inclusion in our democracy.
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