NAAM’s Freedom Day is a free monthly event celebrating history, culture, and community. Each Freedom Day features special programs, activities, and museum access for all ages—at no cost. We use Freedom Day as an opportunity to highlight key moments in the ongoing fight for freedom and equity.
Click here to learn more about this month’s Freedom Day and how you can take part.
The First Black Congresswoman. A Presidential Trailblazer. A Voice for the People.
Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm was a force for justice, equity, and progress. Born on November 30, 1924, in Brooklyn, New York, she rose from humble beginnings to become a national symbol of courage and conviction. As the first African American woman elected to the U.S. Congress and the first Black woman to seek a major party’s nomination for President of the United States, Chisholm shattered political barriers and reshaped the landscape of American democracy.
A Childhood Rooted in Resilience
The daughter of Caribbean immigrants, her father from Guyana and her mother from Barbados, Shirley spent part of her childhood on her grandparents' farm in Barbados. There, she received a strict British-style education that instilled discipline, confidence, and a deep sense of responsibility. When she returned to Brooklyn, she excelled in public school, eventually earning a scholarship to Brooklyn College, where she graduated with a degree in sociology in 1946.
The People’s Politician
Shirley Chisholm began her career as an educator and childcare advocate, but her passion for justice led her into public service. In 1968, she made history by becoming the first Black woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, serving New York’s 12th Congressional District, which encompassed her beloved Brooklyn community.
Known for her fearless spirit and plainspoken truth, she quickly earned the nickname “Fighting Shirley.” She stood firm in her beliefs and fought tirelessly for low-income families, workers, women, and marginalized communities. “I am the people’s politician,” she said. “If the day should ever come when the people can’t save me, I’ll know I’m finished.”
Presidential Courage
In 1972, Shirley Chisholm took another bold step. She launched a campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination, becoming the first Black woman to seek the office from a major political party. Though she faced immense challenges, including racism, sexism, and limited funding, her campaign was historic. She paved the way for future generations of women and people of color to dream bigger and aim higher.
Legacy of Leadership
From her influential seat on the House Rules Committee to her unapologetic advocacy for justice, Shirley Chisholm left a lasting mark on the nation. Her leadership helped expand federal support for education, healthcare, and social programs that uplifted working families. She never wavered in her mission to speak for the voiceless and challenge the status quo.
Shirley Chisholm passed away on January 1, 2005, but her legacy endures. Her life reminds us that courage, conviction, and service can change the course of history. She was, and remains, unbought and unbossed.
