Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm (1924-2005) was the first African American woman in Congress (1968) and the first woman and African American to seek the presidential nomination. Indeed, Vice President Kamala Harris honored Chisholm during her recent inauguration:
As a Congresswoman, "Fighting Shirley" championed racial and gender equality, addressing poverty, and ending the Vietnam War. She also became the first Black woman (and second woman) to serve on the House Rules Committee in 1977.
She sought the 1972 Democratic Party presidential nomination despite discrimination, including being blocked from participating in televised primary debates, under-financing of her campaign, and contentiousness from the predominantly male Congressional Black Caucus (CBC).
Read more about Chisholm's legacy here.
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