“I want history to remember me not just as the first black woman to be elected to Congress, not as the first black woman to have made a bid for the presidency of the United States, but as a black woman who lived in the 20th century and dared to be herself.” – Shirley Chisholm
Point #1
Born Nov. 30, 1964, she began her professional career as a teacher. She served as director of the Hamilton-Madison Child Care Center until the late 1950s, then as an educational consultant for New York City’s Bureau of Child Welfare.
Point #2
In 1968, Chisolm became the first African-American to earn election to Congress, where she worked on the Education and Labor Committee and helped form the Black Caucus.
Point #3
In January 25, 1972, she made history again by becoming the first black woman of a major party to make a bid to be President of the United States when she ran for the Democratic nomination.
Point #4
In 2015, Chisholm was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom
Point #5
After serving seven terms in the House, Chisholm retired from office to become a teacher and public speaker.