Shirley Chisholm should certainly go down in history as one of the most educated, independent, political, outspoken, intellectual, audacious, and courageous black women of this century. She was a N.Y. City school teacher, then went on to serve in the N.Y.
General Assembly from 1964 to 1968, served in the U.S. Congress representing the 12th congressional district in N.Y. City from 1969 to 1982. She also ran for the Democratic Nomination for president in 1972. In fact it was Shirley Chisholm who staged the first serious black candidacy for the Democratic Presidential nomination, not Jesse Jackson, and the only woman ever to seriously seek that nomination. As a fluent Spanish speaker, she possibly staged the very first and only bilingual platform appeal of any Presidential candidates, black or otherwise.
As a former teacher, N.Y. Assembly person, U.S. Congresswoman, and current lecturer, scholar, and activist, she always presents an outstanding presentation as a guest speaker in any public gathering. Best wishes to her in all future endeavors.
Suggested Reading:
Good fight – Women in politics by Shirley Chisholm