Some of us remember when Shirley Chisholm (1924-2005) ran for president in 1972, but may not remember her many accomplishments. In honor of Black History month, we'd like to remind everyone of her inspired leadership, from being the first black women to run for president, serving in Congress, co-founding NOW, along with supporting the Equal Rights Amendment and much more:
Political career
- Elected to the New York State Assembly in 1964
- Elected to Congress in 1968
- Served seven terms in the House of Representatives
- Co-founded the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) in 1971
- Co-founded the National Organization for Women (NOW) in 1970
- Served on the Education and Labor, Rules, and Veterans Affairs committees
- Ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1972
- Was the first African American to run for president as a major party candidate
- Supported the Equal Rights Amendment
- Fought to legalize abortions
- Helped establish the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Helped raise the minimum wage for domestic workers
