Shirley Chisholm

Shirley Chisholm is the first Black woman in the House of Representatives and the first Black woman to run for a major party’s nomination for President. A congresswoman for seven terms, Chisholm is emblematic of women on the local, state, and national levels, who not only spend their careers in public service but also seek and gain public office. An educator, activist, and writer, she is known for her speeches and wise quotes: “At present, our country needs women’s idealism and determination, perhaps more in politics than anywhere else.”