Welcome to our 20th #womanoftheweek! Today, we will be discussing Shirley Chisholm, a black politician! Enjoy!
On a day in 1972, history was made as Shirley Chisholm announced her run for the White House, astounding many as both the first African-American and the first woman to run for the nomination of a major party for this prestigious role. Born in Brooklyn, New York, on November 30, 1924, Chisholm was destined for politics from an early age. Her immigrant parents humble beginnings, a seamstress and a factory worker, were no deciding factor for her future. All throughout her school years she had high marks and was a stellar student, even winning debate prizes before graduating from Brooklyn College in 1946.
However, she didn’t start her legendary journey in politics right away, instead working on a master’s degree in early childhood education while teaching at a nursing school. Her dedication was already prevalent with this early career, as Chisholm made huge strides, eventually becoming a consultant to the New York City Division of Day Care. Her passion for social issues grew over the years and with experience, as the young woman joined multiple local chapters advocating for the rights of women and colored people, even dabbling in politics with the Democratic Party club.
Years went by before she realized what kind of change she wanted to make in the world, soon running for a Congressional seat. Luckily, redistricting had made her area heavily Democratic, and her ideals combined with her passion for change, race, and gender to garner her much attention. She won, not only the first time, but for seven congresses in a row. She quickly became an influential figure, doing all she could in the government to advance the rights of many, introducing more than 50 pieces of legislation and fighting for racial, gender, and economic equality as well as the end of the Vietnam War. Known as “Fighting Shirley”, she was unfortunately faced with much discrimination and troubles when she ran for president, losing the election but inspiring many along the way.
This renowned figure will continue to inspire women and African-Americans everywhere with her visions of equality and will to do the right thing. Her legacy is encompassed in this one quote of hers: “I want to be remembered as a woman … who dared to be a catalyst of change”. She was indeed a daring lady, brave and very advanced for her time, and history is all the more better for her contributions.
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Further reading: Chisholm’s autobiography ‘Unbought and Unbossed’
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