Shirley Chisholm

Shirley Chisholm was a trailblazing American politician and educator who made history as the first African American woman elected to the United States Congress. Born on November 30, 1924, in Brooklyn, New York, Chisholm grew up in a low-income family and was raised by her mother, a factory worker, after her father's early death. She attended Brooklyn Girls High School and later earned a Bachelor's degree in elementary education from Brooklyn College. Throughout her career, Chisholm was a vocal advocate for civil rights, women's rights, and social justice. She served seven terms in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1969 to 1983, representing New York's 12th congressional district. Chisholm was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus and played a key role in the passage of several landmark laws, including the Child Nutrition Act and the Comprehensive Child Development Act. Her courageous leadership and unwavering commitment to equality inspired generations of Americans, earning her the nickname "Unbought and Unbossed."