Shirley Chisholm (1924 – 2005): Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm was the first African-American woman to be elected to the U.S. Congress. In 1972, she was the first African-American to have a serious nomination for President of the United States. Before Jesse Jackson, there was Shirley Chisholm. One of Ms. Chisholm’s famous quotes was “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair” and bring a folding chair she did.
She earned a B.A. in 1946 and a Masters Degree in 1952. She was a member of the New York State Assembly from 1964 – 1968. In 1968, she ran under her Unbossed and Unbought campaign and won a seat serving as a Congressional member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York’s 12th District from 1969 – 1983. Chisholm announced her bid for U.S. President in 1972 and won the Democratic Party’s Presidential Nomination. She described herself as “the candidate for all people”. Although she did not win the election, she was an activist and a trailblazer for black men and women to bring their own seats to the table. Her famous speeches and quotes are as relevant today as they were 50 years ago.
This history blurb does not do her justice. We invite you to do further research into the impact and history of Shirley Chisholm and the changes she has made in her activism and political career. Culture Blurb thanks Mrs. Chisholm for her contribution to black culture and black society.