Shirley chisholm was a trailblazer for change

Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm was a groundbreaking figure in American politics, conquering numerous barriers as a woman and an African American. Born on 30 November in Brooklyn, New York, Chisholm is best known for being the first African American woman elected to the United States Congress and the first woman and African American to seek the nomination for president from a major political party.

Explore the groundbreaking career of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman to seek the U.S. presidency.

Shirley Chisholm was the oldest of four daughters born to migrant parents, Charles St. Hill, a factory worker from Guyana , and Ruby Seale St. Hill, a seamstress from Barbados. Growing up in both Barbados and Brooklyn, Chisholm developed a strong sense of self and determination that would later fuel her political aspirations.

Chisholm went on to receive her Bachelor of Arts degree from Brooklyn College in , graduating cum laude. It was here that she began to excel in debate and was encouraged by her professors to consider a career in politics. However, Chisholm was well aware of the double handicap she faced as both Black and female. It was not long before she decided to run for public office.

Four years later, she shattered another barrier when she won a seat in the US House of Representatives, becoming the first African American woman to do so.

After court-ordered redistricting created a new, heavily Democratic, district in her neighborhood, in Chisholm sought—and won—a seat in Congress.

During her tenure in Congress, Chisholm quickly gained a reputation as a strong liberal advocate for social justice. She opposed weapons development and the war in Vietnam while supporting full-employment proposals and championing racial and gender equality. Throughout her career, Chisholm introduced more than 50 pieces of legislation, consistently fighting for the rights of the marginalised and disadvantaged.

In , Chisholm broke yet another barrier when she became the first Black woman and only the second woman ever to serve on the powerful House Rules Committee. This prestigious appointment further cemented her status as a trailblazer in American politics.