Chisholm biography
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Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm was the first African American woman in Congress (1968) and the first woman and African American to seek the nomination for president of the United States from one of the two major political parties (1972). Her motto and title of her autobiography—Unbought and Unbossed—illustrates her outspoken advocacy for women and minorities during her seven terms in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, on November 30, 1924, Chisholm was the oldest of four daughters to immigrant parents Charles St. Hill, a factory worker from Guyana, and Ruby Seale St. Hill, a seamstress from Barbados. She graduated from Brooklyn Girls’ High in 1942 and from Brooklyn College cum laude in 1946, where she won prizes on the debate team. Although professors encouraged her to consider a political career, she replied that she faced a “double handicap” as both Black and female.
Initially, Chisholm worked as a nursery school teacher. In 1949, she married Conra
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Shirley Chisholm
American politician (1924–2005)
Shirley Chisholm | |
|---|---|
Chisholm in 1972 | |
| In office January 3, 1977 – January 3, 1981 | |
| Leader | Tip O'Neill |
| Preceded by | Patsy Mink |
| Succeeded by | Geraldine Ferraro |
| In office January 3, 1969 – January 3, 1983 | |
| Preceded by | Edna Kelly |
| Succeeded by | Major Owens |
| In office January 1, 1965 – December 31, 1968 | |
| Preceded by | Thomas Jones |
| Succeeded by | Thomas R. Fortune |
| Constituency | 17th district (1965) 45th district (1966) 55th district (1967–1968) |
| Born | Shirley Anita St. Hill (1924-11-30)November 30, 1924 Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Died | January 1, 2005(2005-01-01) (aged 80) Ormond Beach, Florida, U.S. |
| Resting place | Forest Lawn Cemetery |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouses |
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