Shirley Chisholm Elected to Congress (1968)

In 1968, Shirley Chisholm shattered the political glass ceiling by becoming the first African American woman elected to the United States Congress. Representing New York’s 12th Congressional District, Chisholm’s election was not only a personal triumph but also a significant milestone in the broader struggle for racial and gender equality in American politics. This comprehensive article explores Chisholm’s early life, political career, legislative achievements, and enduring impact on American society.

Early Life and Education

Early Life

Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm was born on November 30, 1924, in Brooklyn, New York, to immigrant parents from Barbados and Guyana. Her father, Charles St. Hill, worked in a factory, and her mother, Ruby Seale St. Hill, was a skilled seamstress and domestic worker. Chisholm’s early years were marked by economic hardship, but her parents instilled in her the values of education and hard work.

Chisholm spent part of her childhood in Barbados, where she lived with her maternal grandmother. This experience profoundly influenced her, as she received a rigorous education in the British school system, which emphasized discipline and academic excellence. Chisholm often credited her early education in Barbados for providing her with a strong foundation for her future endeavors.

Education and Early Career

Upon returning to Brooklyn, Chisholm attended Girls’ High School and later earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Brooklyn College in 1946. At Brooklyn College, she became active in student politics and was a member of the debate team, where she honed her oratory skills.

Chisholm continued her education at Columbia University, earning a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education in 1952. She embarked on a career in education, working as a nursery school teacher and director. Chisholm’s experience in education exposed her to the systemic inequalities faced by African American and Puerto Rican children in New York City, fueling her passion for social justice and public service.

Entry into Politics

Local Politics

Chisholm’s political career began at the grassroots level. She became involved with the Bedford-Stuyvesant Political League and the League of Women Voters, where she advocated for community issues and voter education. Her activism caught the attention of local Democratic leaders, and in 1964, she was elected to the New York State Assembly, becoming the second African American woman to serve in that body.

New York State Assembly

During her tenure in the New York State Assembly, Chisholm was known for her advocacy on behalf of marginalized communities. She sponsored legislation to extend unemployment benefits to domestic workers and fought for increased funding for public education. Chisholm’s legislative record demonstrated her commitment to addressing economic and social inequalities.

Election to Congress

Campaign for Congress

In 1968, Chisholm announced her candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives, running in the newly created 12th Congressional District of New York. The district, which encompassed parts of Brooklyn, was predominantly African American and Latino. Chisholm’s campaign slogan, “Unbought and Unbossed,” reflected her independent spirit and refusal to be controlled by political machines.

Chisholm faced a tough primary battle against three other candidates, including the well-funded state senator William C. Thompson. Despite the odds, she won the Democratic primary with a grassroots campaign that emphasized door-to-door canvassing and direct engagement with voters. In the general election, she defeated Republican candidate James Farmer, a prominent civil rights leader, to become the first African American woman elected to Congress.

Legislative Achievements

Advocacy for Marginalized Communities

As a member of Congress, Chisholm continued her advocacy for marginalized communities. She served on the Agriculture Committee, a position she initially found surprising given her urban constituency. However, she used her position to address issues of hunger and poverty, advocating for food assistance programs and school lunch programs. Chisholm’s efforts helped to expand the food stamp program and ensure that low-income families had access to nutritious meals.

Education and Labor

Chisholm was a strong advocate for education and labor rights. She introduced legislation to increase federal funding for public schools, particularly those serving low-income and minority students. Chisholm also supported initiatives to improve access to higher education, including Pell Grants and other financial aid programs.

In the realm of labor, Chisholm fought for fair wages and workers’ rights. She co-sponsored the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972, which aimed to eliminate workplace discrimination based on race, gender, and other factors. Chisholm’s commitment to labor rights extended to her support for the unionization of domestic workers and efforts to improve working conditions for all employees.

Women’s Rights

Chisholm was a pioneering advocate for women’s rights and gender equality. She was a founding member of the National Women’s Political Caucus and played a key role in advancing the cause of women in politics. Chisholm introduced the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) in every session of Congress from 1969 until she left office in 1983, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to gender equality.

Chisholm also worked to address issues such as reproductive rights, childcare, and maternity leave. She supported legislation to provide federal funding for childcare centers and advocated for policies that would enable women to balance work and family responsibilities. Chisholm’s efforts contributed to the broader women’s movement and helped pave the way for future generations of female leaders.

Presidential Campaign

1972 Presidential Run

In 1972, Chisholm made history once again by becoming the first African American woman to run for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States. Her candidacy was groundbreaking and symbolic, challenging the status quo and pushing the boundaries of what was possible for women and African Americans in politics.

Chisholm’s campaign faced significant challenges, including a lack of financial resources and institutional support. Despite these obstacles, she garnered widespread attention and support from diverse groups, including feminists, civil rights activists, and young voters. Chisholm’s campaign emphasized issues such as social justice, economic equality, and an end to the Vietnam War.

Impact of the Campaign

Although Chisholm did not win the Democratic nomination, her candidacy had a lasting impact on American politics. She received 152 delegate votes at the Democratic National Convention, a significant achievement given the barriers she faced. Chisholm’s campaign inspired countless individuals and demonstrated the importance of representation and diversity in political leadership.

Legacy and Impact

Trailblazer for Future Generations

Shirley Chisholm’s legacy as a trailblazer in American politics is undeniable. She paved the way for future generations of women and African Americans to pursue political office and become leaders in their communities. Chisholm’s courage, determination, and commitment to social justice continue to inspire activists and leaders across the country.

Influence on Civil Rights and Social Justice

Chisholm’s work in Congress and her advocacy for civil rights, women’s rights, and economic justice had a profound impact on American society. Her legislative achievements and her role in advancing the causes of marginalized communities contributed to significant social and political changes. Chisholm’s vision of a more equitable and just society remains a guiding principle for those who continue to fight for civil rights and social justice.

Honors and Recognitions

In recognition of her contributions to American politics and society, Chisholm received numerous honors and accolades throughout her life and posthumously. In 2015, she was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. Her legacy is also commemorated through various institutions, scholarships, and awards that bear her name, ensuring that her contributions are remembered and celebrated.

Final Summary

Shirley Chisholm’s election to Congress in 1968 was a watershed moment in American history. Her pioneering spirit, unwavering commitment to social justice, and groundbreaking achievements have left an indelible mark on American politics. Chisholm’s legacy continues to inspire and motivate future generations to strive for equality, justice, and representation.

 

 

References

Chisholm, S. (1970). *Unbought and Unbossed*. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin.

Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm: Black Feminist Power Politics. (2018). Women’s Studies Quarterly, 46(1/2), 20-38.

Holt, T. C. (2010). Children of Fire: A History of African Americans. New York, NY: Hill and Wang.

Jillson, C. (2015). American Government: Political Development and Institutional Change. New York, NY: Routledge.

Williams, J. (2003). Shirley Chisholm: Catalyst for Change, 1924-2005. Brooklyn, NY: Brooklyn Historical Society.

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