Shirley Chisholm Posters, Books, Video, Audio, Links for Learning
for the social studies classroom, home schoolers and theme decor for office.

Shirley Chisholm

“I ran because someone had to do it first. In this country everyone is suppoed to be able to run for president, but that's never been really true. I ran because most people think the country isn't ready for a black candidate, not ready for a woman candidate. Someday...”

Shirley Chisholm has made history more than once in her long and impressive career. In 1968, she became the first black woman to be elected to Congress. In 1972, she made history again when she became both the first African American and the first woman to campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination. Chisholm was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. Before she ran for office, she worked as a teacher and administrator in child care centers. Her work with poor children spurred her desire to enter politics. Chisholm served in the New Yourk State Assembly and then she ran for the U.S. House of Representatives. She served in the House from 1969 to 1983. Her motto is "unbought and unbossed," and she kept her strong and independent stand in Congress. She fought for issues such as better day care and employment programs to improve the lives of low-income people in the inner cities. Chisholm said she entered the presidential race to guarantee that the Democratic Party's pick for president would not be a strictly “white, male decision”. By running for president, she hoped to make voters and politicians aware of issues whe felt strongly about. Shirley Chisholm has worked hard for education, peace, and civil rights, and she has often spoken out against discrimination in housing and employment. Chisholm continues to be an active member of many women's and political groups and an inspiring and powerful voice for tolerance and equality for all people. “When I die, I don't want to be known as the first black woman who was elected to the Congress, although I am. I don't want to be known as the first woman, who happened to be black, to make a serious bid for the presidency, although I am. I want to known as a woman who lived in the 20th century, who happened to be black, and was a major catalyst for change for women. That's how I want to be remembered.” (poster published prior to 2005)

• Pioneers of Women's Rights posters

Shirley Chisholm Great Black Americans (image no longer available)

Shirley Chisholm,
b. 11-30-1924; Brooklyn, NY
d. 1-1-2005

Poster Text: "I'm 'fighting Shirley Chisholm,' and I'm unbought and unbossed." That was how U.S. Representative Shirley Chisholm usually introduced herself to crowds. It was a very good description. Shirley Chisholm has always been a fighter, with very strong opinions and very little patience for people who fought the idea of change. Because of this, she has been called difficult and stubborn. But the many children Shirley Chisholm taught in day care classes, and the many people she helped while she was in Congress know her as a warm and caring person who always took the time to listen to them.

Shirley Chisholm was born in 1924 in Brooklyn, New York. Her parents came to America from Barbados, in the West Indies. Even as a child, Shirley was bossy and independent. Her mother often complained that she could not take her eye off Shirley for a minute. Whe she was still only three, Shirley was sent with her sisters to live with her gandmother in Barbados. This allowed her mother to hold a job, and it gave Shirley the chance to be educated in the strict Barbados schools. In 1934, Shirley and her sisters returned to New York. More than anything else, Shirley loved to read. She read many books by or about famous blacks like Harriet Tubman, W.E.B. DuBois, and Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. In college, Shirley slowly began to grow aware of the unfair treatment of blacks, and this made her both angry and determined to work for change.

This desire soon led Shirley into politics. At first, she worked on the campaigns of other black candidates. At the same time, she worked as a teacher. But in 1964, whe was elected to the New York State Assembly. And in November of 1968, she became the first black woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. In Congress, Shirley worked to stop discrimination in housing and employment. And she continued to speak out in favor of equality for women. In 1972, she ran for President as a Democrat and lost. But Shirley always said the real reason she ran was not to win, but to draw attention ito the issues she felt strongly about. Shirley Chisholm has always been a pioneer, and her message is simple: Don't listen to those who say, “you can't.” Listen to the voice inside yourself that says, “I can.” (poster published prior to 2005)

• Great Black Americans poster series
• more Black History posters