Shirley Chisholm: October 17, 1983
Shirley Chisholm (1924-2005) was an African-American politician who was a powerful role model as to what a determined black woman looks like in the face of oppression. She was born in New York City, and climbed her way from the New York State Assembly to representing the 12th District of New York in the United States House of Representatives. In 1972, she became the first African-American woman to run for President of the United States, and the first woman to ever run in the Democratic primary for President. She was a firm believer in the government investing in its citizens, such as less expensive higher education and paid family leave, as she saw first-hand the struggles of what happens to those who are neglected by their government.
Politics in the 80s were whitewashed and filled with men. Chisholm took that stereotype and broke it, which made her a target for political backlash. She stayed strong in her fight for equality in politics and was involved with politics up until her death. Chisholm visited SUNY Plattsburgh in the month prior to the 1984 Presidential election, the election when Ronald Reagan would secure his re-election. Chisholm wanted to remind young voters, especially women, that it is their place to be involved with politics and run for office. According to the Cardinal Points account of her talk, she told students of SUNY Plattsburgh, “Women need to move as a potent force to be reckoned with, whether we’re in or out of our place. Remember: all great suffragettes were laughed at… catalysts for change are always insulted or misunderstood. Change comes about from those who dare to chart the course.”
Shirley Chisholm spent her years after her political career teaching and traveling to universities to spread her message of equality. Her words have resonated throughout the decades and America has redesigned the way it treats women in politics. Now more than any other time in our history, more women are running in elections and securing political seats. In the 2018 Midterm elections, more women than ever secured seats in Congress. Shirley Chisholm helped begin this fight for black people and for women to be represented. The fight has continued, and it will not stop until women and people of color have a present voice in political institutions.
--Jenna Long ‘19