Shirley Chisholm

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American politician, educator, and author

Shirley Anita Chisholm (née St. Hill; November 30, 1924 – January 1, 2005) was an American politician, educator, and author. She was a member of the Democratic Party and was the first African American woman elected to the United States Congress. She represented New York's 12th congressional district for seven terms from 1969 to 1983. In 1972, she became the first African American candidate for a major party's nomination for President of the United States and the first woman to run for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination.

Early life and education

Shirley Anita St. Hill was born on November 30, 1924, in Brooklyn, New York City, to immigrant parents from the Caribbean. She spent part of her childhood in Barbados with her grandmother. Chisholm graduated from Brooklyn College in 1946 with a BA in sociology. She later earned a master's degree in elementary education from Columbia University.

Career

Early career

Before entering politics, Chisholm worked as a teacher and later as a director of a childcare center. She was also an educational consultant for the New York City Division of Day Care.

Political career

Chisholm began her political career in the New York State Assembly, serving from 1965 to 1968. In 1968, she was elected to the United States House of Representatives, becoming the first African American woman to serve in Congress. During her tenure, she was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus and the National Women's Political Caucus.

In 1972, Chisholm made history by running for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination. Although she did not win, her candidacy was a significant milestone in American politics.

Later life and legacy

After retiring from Congress in 1983, Chisholm continued to be active in politics and education. She taught at Mount Holyoke College and was a sought-after speaker on issues of social justice and equality. Chisholm passed away on January 1, 2005, in Ormond Beach, Florida.

Chisholm's legacy lives on through numerous awards and honors, including the posthumous awarding of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015.

Related pages

• United States House of Representatives
• Democratic Party (United States)
• Congressional Black Caucus
• National Women's Political Caucus
• Brooklyn College
• Columbia University

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