Black Excellence Spotlight: Shirley Chisholm
by Shavonte Keaton Feb 2, 2021
That was the slogan of Shirley Chisholm’s 1972 run for president. Shirley Chisholm, unbought and unbossed, was no stranger to making history and blazing trails. Before her historic run for the highest office in the United States, she made history as the first Black woman elected to Congress in 1968. She represented New York’s 12th District from 1969 to 1983, and in 1972, she became the first woman and first Black person to run for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination.
Many who knew her described her as fearless and one who would not back down to a challenge. While her bid for the democratic nomination was not successful, the impact of her life, her historic political career and boldness in the face of opposition has lasting effects till this day. Her trailblazing path has inspired many politicians who have walked in the footsteps she laid out.
In an interview towards the end of her life Shirley said this:
“I want history to remember me… 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 who dared to be herself. I want to be remembered as a catalyst for change in America.”
Well that is exactly what she is being celebrated and remembered for at this very point in our county. Kamala Harris, being the first Black woman VP in our country, recently paid tribute to Shirley Chisholm for how she paved the way. 4 days before she was sworn into the office of vice-president of the United States, Kamala tweeted part of that very same quote saying, “Shirley Chisholm created a path for me and for so many others. Today, I’m thinking about her inspirational words: “I am, and always will be a catalyst for change.”
Shirley Chisholm was a bold, intelligent, compassionate trailblazer who indeed became the exact catalyst for change that she desired to be. As you talk about Black History and celebrate Black accomplishments be sure to share the story of Shirley Chisholm, the courageous Black woman who broke down so many doors that had been traditionally closed to those who came before her.
In our fight for the young people we serve we can all live by her slogan, let’s be unbought and unbossed in our fight to change the youth justice system!
Photo Credit: Getty Images.
