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Born Brooklyn, New YorkShirley Chisholm began her professional career as a teacher in New York City. But the racial and political acuity that her father fostered in her soon piqued her interest in politics. She served in the state’s General Assembly from 1964 to 1968, and in the latter year became the first black woman elected to Congress. Having won New York’s Twelfth District congressional seat, she became a leading voice for women’s rights and civil rights, and a spokesperson against the Vietnam War. She was also a cofounder of the National Organization for Women.In 1972, Chisholm sought the Democratic Party nomination for the presidency. Although her bid was unsuccessful, her candidacy enabled her to raise issues of importance to African Americans and women and to forge the way for others. “The door is not open yet,” she said, “but it is ajar.”Shirley Chisholm comenzó su vida profesional como maestra en la ciudad de Nueva York, pero la penetrante conciencia racial y política que le había inculcado su padre pronto la inclinó por la carrera política. Sirvió en la Asamblea General del estado desde 1964 hasta 1968, año en que se convirtió en la primera mujer de raza negra elegida para el Congreso. Como representante del duodécimo distrito congresional de Nueva York, fue una destacada defensora de los derechos civiles y femeninos, y una voz importante contra la guerra de Vietnam. También cofundó la National Organization for Women.En 1972 Chisholm buscó la nominación presiden- cial por el Partido Demócrata. Aunque...

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National Portrait Gallery

Record Harvested From

Smithsonian Institution