HOUSE PASSES CONGRESSWOMAN BARBARA LEE'S RESOLUTION CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE HONORABLE SHIRLEY CHISHOLM
Washington, DC - The House of Representatives today passed by a vote of 415-0 H. Res. 97, a resolution introduced by
Congresswoman Barbara Lee that recognizes the enduring contributions, heroic achievements, and dedicated work of the
Honorable Shirley Anita Chisholm, the first African American woman elected to the United States 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.
"Ms. Chisholm's mission to include women, children, African
Americans, and other minorities in public policy opened the door to
a whole new debate lacking in Congress during that time," said Lee.
"She is a remarkable women who paved the way for many
of us by fighting throughout her life for fundamental human rights.
"Ms. Chisholm has devoted her life to public service," 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 encouraged me to register to vote and to get involved in
politics, and I ended up working on her Presidential campaign," said Lee. "Her extraordinary work has inspired and empowered
many women to become involved in the political process. She continues to inspire me through her wisdom and vision."
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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