While some may just be learning Shirley Chisholm’s name for the first time, her influence on American politics has been felt in the United States for over four decades. Chisholm made strides for Black Americans and women as a New York congresswoman, becoming Congress’ first African American female representative for an impressive seven terms. Her legacy carries on as an inspiration for young Black women in every corner of the country through these five organizations.
Shirley Chisholm Education Foundation
Dedicated to giving young women the confidence to become bold, “unbothered” leaders like Chisholm during her political days, this organization offers mentorship and a community that allows every woman to become an innovator. They follow in Chisholm’s footsteps as she helped create the vital WIC program that has fed millions of vulnerable women and children. Most importantly, they help young women break through the glass ceiling that Chisholm herself stood against.
Museum of the City of New York
Shirley Chisholm is forever etched in New York City’s history, as she served as Brooklyn’s representative in the House of Congress from 1969 to 1983. Honoring the trailblazer’s legacy this summer, the Museum of the City of New York is collaborating with Brooklyn College to celebrate her centenary birthday through a new exhibit. Newcomers will get a first-hand look at Chisholm’s path to politics and learn why leaders like Chisholm are still needed in the upcoming elections.
The Chisholm Legacy Project
Shirley Chisholm was always ready to use her platform to fight for positive change for communities of color, and The Chisholm Legacy Project carries on that famous fighting spirit. With issues like climate change and threats to our ecosystem at the forefront of minds, this project connects Black female leaders with the help they need to advocate for protecting Mother Earth and all her inhabitants, no matter their color, creed or size.
National Museum of African American History & Culture
Never one to back down when the odds were stacked against her, Chisholm’s battle for the nation’s highest office has been immortalized in A Changing America: 1968 and Beyond exhibition. Museumgoers will have the opportunity to explore how the ambitious congresswoman’s unsuccessful presidential campaign failed to deter her from extending a helping hand to the inter-city immigrant communities as she continued to fight for equality as a member of Congress.
The Shirley Chisholm Project of Brooklyn Women’s Activism
While Congress was a mighty platform for Chisholm to make waves in reform and progress, the social champion started her political momentum through grassroots movements in Brooklyn, New York. This project, located in the Brooklyn College Library, archives those early achievements, allowing the public to better understand the impact of women’s grassroots movements and the history of social activism as it evolved into the powerful tool we use today.