CONGRESSWOMAN BARBARA LEE CELEBRATES THE LIFE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE HONORABLE SHIRLEY CHISHOLM
Washington, DC - In celebration of Women's History Month Congresswoman Barbara Lee today introduced a resolution
recognizing the enduring contributions, heroic achievements, and dedicated work of The Honorable Shirley Anita Chisholm, the
first African American woman elected to the United State House of Representatives.
Shirley Chisholm served as a member of the New York State Assembly from 1964 to 1968 before being elected to the House of
Representatives in 1968. She served as a member of the House from 1968 to 1983.
"Shirley Chisholm has devoted her life to public service and to improving the quality of life for people in the community she
served, as well as for everyone in the United States," said Lee. "She has been a committed advocate for progressive causes,
including improving education, ending discrimination, increasing the
availability of child care, and expanding the coverage of the
Federal minimum wage laws to include domestic employment."
In addition to being the first African American woman to be elected to Congress, in 1972 Shirley Chisholm was the first woman
to be a candidate for the nomination of the Democratic Party for the Office of President of the United States. After campaigning
in the primaries of 12 states, Chisholm won 28 delegates and received 152 first ballot votes at the Democratic National
Convention.
"When I was a student at Mills College in Oakland, Shirley Chisholm encourage me to register to vote and to get involved in
politics, and I ended up working on her Presidential campaign," said
Lee. "She is a remarkable women who paved the way for
many us by fighting throughout her life for fundamental rights for
women, children, seniors, African Americans, Hispanics, and
other minority groups. Shirley Chisholm is truly inspirational and
continues to be a great influence in our daily work to serve our
communities."
Before entering politics, the Honorable Shirley Chisholm was a nursery school teacher, director of a day-care center and a
consultant for the New York Department of Social Services. She continues her dedication to progressive politics by writing,
teaching, and giving lectures across the country.
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