# Shirley Chisholm

> first black woman elected to the United States Congress (1924-2005)

**Wikidata**: [Q239657](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q239657)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shirley_Chisholm)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/shirley-chisholm

## Summary
Shirley Chisholm was the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress, serving from 1969 to 1983. A trailblazing politician and advocate, she broke racial and gender barriers in American politics and co-founded the National Women’s Political Caucus.

## Biography
- Born: November 30, 1924, Brooklyn, New York, United States
- Nationality: United States
- Education:
  - Bachelor of Arts in English from Brooklyn College (1944)
  - Master of Arts in English from Columbia University (1946)
  - Doctor of Education from Teachers College, Columbia University (1953)
- Known for: Breaking barriers as the first Black woman in Congress and co-founding the National Women’s Political Caucus
- Employer(s): Democratic National Committee, Congressional Black Caucus
- Field(s): Politics, women’s rights, civil rights

## Contributions
- **National Women’s Political Caucus**: Co-founded in 1971 to advocate for women’s political representation and leadership in the Democratic Party.
- **Legislative Achievements**: Served as a U.S. Representative for New York’s 12th congressional district (1969–1975) and 13th congressional district (1977–1983), focusing on civil rights, education, and healthcare.
- **Advocacy for Women**: Championed policies to increase women’s representation in government and promote gender equality in the workplace.
- **Publications**: Authored *Unbought and Unbossed* (1978), a memoir detailing her political career and advocacy work.

## FAQs
- **What was Shirley Chisholm’s most significant political achievement?**
  Shirley Chisholm became the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress in 1969, paving the way for greater diversity in American politics.

- **How did Shirley Chisholm contribute to women’s rights?**
  She co-founded the National Women’s Political Caucus in 1971 to promote women’s political leadership and representation in the Democratic Party.

- **What books did Shirley Chisholm write?**
  Shirley Chisholm authored *Unbought and Unbossed* (1978), a memoir that documented her political journey and advocacy efforts.

- **Where did Shirley Chisholm earn her degrees?**
  She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Brooklyn College, her Master of Arts from Columbia University, and her Doctor of Education from Teachers College, Columbia University.

- **What organizations was Shirley Chisholm affiliated with?**
  Shirley Chisholm was affiliated with the Democratic National Committee and the Congressional Black Caucus, both of which she helped shape through her leadership.

## Why They Matter
Shirley Chisholm’s election to Congress in 1969 shattered racial and gender barriers in American politics, inspiring future generations of Black women to pursue leadership roles. Her co-founding of the National Women’s Political Caucus ensured sustained advocacy for women’s political representation. Her legacy continues to influence efforts to increase diversity and equity in government, making her a foundational figure in the fight for equal rights.

## Notable For
- First Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress (1969)
- Co-founder of the National Women’s Political Caucus (1971)
- Author of *Unbought and Unbossed* (1978)
- Member of the Congressional Black Caucus
- Affiliated with the Democratic National Committee
- Recipient of honorary degrees from Columbia University, Brooklyn College, and Spelman College
- Inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame (1993)

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Shirley Anita St. Hill was born on November 30, 1924, in Brooklyn, New York. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from Brooklyn College in 1944, followed by a Master of Arts from Columbia University in 1946. She later completed a Doctor of Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, in 1953.

### Political Career
Shirley Chisholm entered politics in the 1960s, running for the New York State Assembly in 1964 and the U.S. House of Representatives in 1968. Her election to Congress in 1969 made her the first Black woman in the U.S. House. She served from 1969 to 1983, representing New York’s 12th and 13th congressional districts. Her legislative work focused on civil rights, education, and healthcare.

### Advocacy and Activism
Chisholm co-founded the National Women’s Political Caucus in 1971 to advocate for women’s political leadership and representation. She also served as a delegate to the Democratic National Conventions in 1972 and 1976, helping shape the party’s platform.

### Legacy and Honors
Shirley Chisholm received numerous honors, including honorary degrees from Columbia University, Brooklyn College, and Spelman College. She was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 1993. Her memoir, *Unbought and Unbossed*, published in 1978, documented her political career and advocacy efforts.

### Influence on American Politics
Chisholm’s groundbreaking election and advocacy work paved the way for greater diversity in Congress and inspired future generations of women and people of color to enter politics. Her legacy continues to shape discussions on gender equality and racial representation in government.

## References

1. Find a Grave
2. [Source](https://www.congress.gov/member/shirley-chisholm/C000371)
3. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
4. [Source](https://www.brownstoner.com/history/walkabout-a-shirley-chisholm-architectural-walking-tour-part-one/)
5. [Shirley Chisholm. National Women's Hall of Fame](https://www.womenofthehall.org/inductee/shirley-chisholm/)
6. [Source](https://www.calstate.edu/impact-of-the-csu/alumni/Honorary-Degrees/Pages/shirley-chisholm.aspx)
7. The Washington Post
8. [Source](https://shepard.libguides.nccu.edu/NCCUHISTORY)
9. [Source](https://www.spelman.edu/docs/honorary-degrees/honorary-degree-recipients---1977-present---as-of-november-2022---revised-(012023).pdf?sfvrsn=f4347e51_2)
10. [Source](https://www.fordlibrarymuseum.gov/library/document/0003/1069095.pdf)
11. Notable Black American Women
12. BlackPast.org
13. International Standard Name Identifier
14. Virtual International Authority File
15. MusicBrainz
16. [History. National Women's Political Caucus](http://www.nwpc.org/history/)
17. [Source](https://www.history.com/news/shirley-chisholm-career-milestones)
18. Integrated Authority File
19. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
20. SNAC
21. BnF authorities
22. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
23. BBC Things
24. Quora
25. [Shirley Chisholm - MBTI Enneagram - Personality Database™️ 2022](https://www.personality-database.com/profile/495586/shirley-chisholm-governmentusa-mbti-personality-type)
26. [Source](https://entities.oclc.org/worldcat/entity/E39PBJy8tq9pV4YtFVXq8wvWDq.html)