Women you should know: Shirley Chisholm

Shirley Chisholm is today’s Women Black History featured person

Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm became the first African American Woman to be elected to the United States Congress in 1968. During that time she represented seven terms in New York’s 12th congressional district for fourteen years. Chisholm was also the first woman to run for the Democratic Party’s nomination, and her accomplishments are still being recognized.

In 2015 Shirley Chisholm was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Her determination and hard work paved the way for other black women in congress.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, on November 30, 1924, Chisholm graduated from Brooklyn College in 1946 and began her career as a teacher.
She also earned a master’s degree from Columbia University in early childhood education and worked as a consultant to the New York City Division of Day Care.