Shirley chisholm biography video about helen

(1924-2005)

Who Was Shirley Chisholm?

Shirley Chisholm is best known for becoming the first Black congresswoman (1968), representing New York State in the U.S.

House of Representatives for seven terms.

Shirley chisholm biography video about helen

She went on to run for the 1972 Democratic nomination for the presidency—becoming the first major-party African-American candidate to do so. Throughout her political career, Chisholm fought for education opportunities and social justice.

Chisholm left Congress in 1983 to teach. She died in Florida in 2005.

Early Years and Career

Chisholm was born Shirley Anita St. Hill on November 30, 1924, in a predominantly Black neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York.

Chisholm spent part of her childhood in Barbados with her grandmother. After graduating from Brooklyn College in 1946, she began her career as a teacher and went on to earn a master's degree in elementary education from Columbia University.

Chisholm served as director of the Hamilton-Madison Child Care Center fr