The First BLACK WOMAN candidate for President

Shirley Chisholm was a nursery school teacher who went on to be the nation’s first Black candidate for president. She wasn’t the first woman candidate for president, but I think she was the first Black woman candidate.

I remember her only vaguely from the 1972 Democratic National Convention. My parents were registered Republican; Shirley Chisholm was dismissed as a radical.

But as an adult, the more I learn of her, the more impressive I realize she was!

From: The Women’s Hall of Fame website:
http://www.greatwomen.org/women.php?action=viewone&id=39

“Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American woman elected to the U.S. Congress, is a passionate and effective advocate for the needs of minorities, women and children and has changed the nation's perception about the capabilities of women and African-Americans.

A New York City educator and child care manager, Chisholm saw the problems of the poor every day, and in the 1950s this led her to run for and win a seat in the New York State Legislature. In 1968 she was elected to Congress from the new 12th District. There she supported improved employment and education programs, expansion of day care, income support and other programs to improve inner city life and opportunity. She advocated for the end of the military draft and reduced defense spending. “

You can also look her up on Wikipedia,

and at PBS.org: http://www.pbs.org/pov/pov2005/chisholm/

Shirley Chisholm died in January of 2005; I wonder what she would think of this particular Democratic primary! Her first book was titled, Unbought and Unbossed. I think that says it all!

Her personal power and ability to strategize was shown in the first round of votes at the 1972 Democratic National Convention. She got 152 delegates, placing fourth in the lineup (behind George McGovern, Henry “Scoop” Jackson, and George Wallace). She was a charismatic speaker; a truth- teller who did not mince words and who took responsibility to lead where she thought the nation could, and should, go.

She is one of my heros. I hope that in the current moment of history where a woman and a black man both have a viable chance to win the Presidential election, we remember Shirley Chisholm, a powerful and effective trail blazer for women, children, black people, and all Americans who care about justice.