Shirley Chishom, or “fighting Shirley” as she was called in Congress, was the first Black woman from a major political party to run for president. Her career began as a teacher after graduating from Columbia University. In 1968, the same year that MLK was assassinated, she became the first black woman elected to Congress. In her 14 years in congress, she helped found the Congressional Black Caucus and advocated for policies regarding national school lunches, guaranteed annual household income, and extended hours at daycare facilities. She genuinely connected with people, and spoke the harsh truth on topics of racism and sexism. She wanted to be remembered as someone who had guts. She faced discrimination but fought past it, and inspired young women to emerge from the sidelines to the forefront of action in their country. “I see myself as a potential reconciler on the American scene. Time will tell whether or not this will be so.” - Shirley Chisholm

Thank you for pulling up your folding chair, Shirley, so many after you had a place to sit at the table.