Shirley Chisholm for President

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Shirley Chisholm (1924-2005) was an American educator, author, and politician who is recognized as the first African American woman to be elected to the United States Congress. As a congresswoman, Chisholm worked on the Education and Labor Committee and also helped in forming the Black Caucus, a political organization of black American members of the U.S. Congress. Chisholm served seven terms in office. In 1972, Chisholm again made history when she became the first black woman of a major party to run for a presidential nomination. Chisholm succeeded in getting her name on twelve primary ballots. At the Democratic National Convention, Chisholm received 152 delegates or ten percent of the votes. Though the campaign wasn't successful, Chisholm's campaign and work cemented herself as a significant voice in both African American history and American politics.