First African-American Woman to be Elected to the United States Congress
Today, on the 8th of November, and as we are on the verge of possibly electing the United States' first woman president, Hillary Clinton; I thought it is only fitting for me to dedicate this 'She Inspires' to a woman who helped pave the way for women to run for president of the United States, Ms. Shirley Chisholm.
Chisholm represented New York's 12th Congressional District for seven terms from 1969 to 1983. In 1972, she became the first black 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.
Shirley Chisholm has always been an inspirational woman to me especially when I was studying political science in college. I first learned about Ms. Chisholm in the 4th grade when I represented my school in a city-wide competition on Black History Trivia. Since then, I have been inspired by her bravery in wanting to join the political arena during a time when African-Americans were fighting for basic civil rights.
Before there was President Obama and Hillary Clinton of the Democratic Party; there was Shirley Chisholm paving the way for them both as a woman and Black person.
Regardless of the results of this rather peculiar yet historic election; let us remember and honor Ms. Shirley Chisholm.
