"Unbought and Unbossed"
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Did you know that Kamala Harris isn't the first black woman to run for POTUS? There have been 5 black men who have run, starting with Frederick Douglas in 1888 and then of course Barack Obama was the first black POTUS. But this blog is about the ladies.
In 1972, Shirley Chisholm, who was also the first black woman in Congress, ran on a Presidential ticket, and had a reasonable shot. It's crazy to me, because in the 60s and 70s, in case you hadn't heard, the US was very divided on the issues of race, AND gender. Black people were barely safe in some parts of the country, so having a black woman candidate is just extraordinary to me. Women couldn't even have their own bank accounts at that time! But there she was, Shirley Chisholm!
Shirley Chisholm, born on November 30, 1924, in Brooklyn, New York, made history as the first African American woman elected to the United States Congress. Her political career, marked by a fierce commitment to social justice and equality, paved the way for future generations of women and minority leaders.
Chisholm began her political journey in the New York State Assembly, where she served from 1965 to 1968. In 1968, she won a seat in Congress representing New York's 12th Congressional District. During her seven terms in the House, she championed issues such as education, healthcare, and civil rights. Chisholm was known for her outspoken nature, famously declaring, "If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair."
In 1972, she made history again by running for the Democratic nomination for president, becoming the first major-party African American candidate and the first woman to run for the nomination. Her campaign focused on issues like poverty, racial justice, and women's rights, drawing national attention and inspiring many.
Chisholm's early life experiences shaped her political philosophy. Raised in a Caribbean immigrant family, she witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by marginalized communities. Influenced by civil rights leaders and feminist movements, she believed in the necessity of intersectionality in politics. Her commitment to social change was also fueled by her experiences as an educator and her involvement in grassroots activism.
In recognition of her impact, numerous institutions and awards bear her name, including the Shirley Chisholm State Park in Brooklyn and the Shirley Chisholm Congressional Fellowship.
Chisholm once said, "I ran because someone had to say something." Her voice continues to resonate, reminding us of the importance of representation and the ongoing struggle for justice and equality in America.
She wrote a book titled "Unbought and Unbossed" and I love that phrase now so much! I made it the title of the blog.