Shirley Chisholm

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Today, I want to talk to you about one of the most groundbreaking and inspiring figures in American history Shirley Chisholm. A woman who broke barriers, defied expectations, and paved the way for generations of leaders to come. Shirley Chisholm was born on November 30, 1924, in Brooklyn, New York, to parents who had immigrated from Barbados and Guyana. From a young age, education was important to her. She attended Brooklyn College, then went on to earn her graduate degree from the Teachers College at Columbia University. Before entering politics, she was already a community advocate and educator someone who believed in lifting others up through learning and opportunity.

But it was in 1968 that she made history. Shirley Chisholm became the first African American woman elected to the United States Congress, representing New York’s 12th Congressional District. This was a time of great social unrest the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War, and a country divided. Yet, in the middle of all of it, here was a Black woman stepping into Congress and demanding to be heard.

But she didn’t stop there.

In 1972, Shirley Chisholm became the first African American to run for a major party’s presidential nomination, and also the first woman to run for the Democratic Party's nomination. Her campaign slogan, “Unbought and Unbossed,” said it all. She didn’t run for attention she ran to create change. Despite being blocked from participating in televised debates and only being allowed to speak once on national TV after taking legal action, she still earned 152 delegate votes at the Democratic National Convention — around 10% of the total. That was a powerful message: that a Black woman’s voice could not be ignored.

Chisholm also made a real difference with her work in Congress. She introduced over 50 pieces of legislation during her seven terms. She fought hard for programs that helped people in need. One of her biggest successes was helping create the WIC program — the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. She also worked to expand the food stamp program, understanding that no one in America should go hungry, especially children.

In 1977, Shirley Chisholm became the first Black woman and only the second woman ever to serve on the powerful House Rules Committee, one of the most important groups in Congress. This committee decides how bills are debated and voted on and being on it gave her even more power to push for justice.

Chisholm wasn’t just a leader in politics. She was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus in 1971 a group created to make sure Black lawmakers had a strong voice. She also co-founded the National Women’s Political Caucus, the Congressional Women’s Caucus, and even helped create the National Organization for Women (NOW), showing her deep commitment to both racial and gender equality.

Through her bold actions and fearless leadership, Shirley Chisholm opened the doors that so many others have walked through. People like Kamala Harris, Barack Obama, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and countless others stand on her shoulders.

In the end, Shirley Chisholm didn’t just make history she changed history.

So, when we think of leadership, courage, and justice, let’s remember Shirley Chisholm the woman who proved that no matter the odds, one voice, one vote, and one vision can change the world.