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Shirley Chisholm
First Black Congresswoman & presidential candidate
'Unbought and unbossed' — she broke into rooms Black women had never entered.
The rise
A Brooklyn educator of Caribbean heritage, Chisholm entered New York politics and in 1968 became the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress.
What they did
She served seven terms, expanded food aid and education programs, co-founded the Congressional Black Caucus, and in 1972 became the first Black woman to run for a major party's presidential nomination.
The full picture
She faced discrimination from within her own party and the movement, and her presidential bid was underfunded and often dismissed by the establishment.
Why it matters
Chisholm opened American politics to Black women and set the precedent that later carried figures like Kamala Harris toward power.
“If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.”