Shirley Chisholm
Shirley Anita Chisholm was raised in Brooklyn by her Barbadian and Guyanese parents. After earning degrees from Brooklyn College and Columbia University, she became a nursery school teacher and educational consultant before entering politics.
In 1968, she became the first Black woman elected to Congress, representing New York's 12th district. She famously said she faced more discrimination as a woman than as a Black person in Washington. During her seven terms, she fought for education, employment, and social justice.
In 1972, she made history again by running for the Democratic presidential nomination — the first woman and African American to do so from a major party. Though she didn't win, her campaign shattered ceilings and inspired generations of leaders, from Barack Obama to Kamala Harris.
"If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair."— Shirley Chisholm
Key Milestones
A Life in Firsts
In Their Words
Notable Quotes
If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.
You don't make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas.
I am and always will be a catalyst for change.
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