Shirley Chisholm – The First Black Congresswoman

Shirley Chisholm is a political icon who paved the way for politics as we know it today. As an active participant for women’s rights and the Civil Rights Movement, her presence and experience would prepare her for a stage unseen by black women before.

During her seven terms as the first black woman to serve in congress, Chisholm set her sights on challenging the system. Unsurprisingly, her tenacity made her a force to be reckoned with. A true visionary indeed, Chisholm sought the presidential nomination in 1972, and her mere presence on the campaign trail was a victory for minorities in politics.

In this episode of Black History in Two Minutes or So, our host Henry Louis Gates Jr., with additional commentary from Kimberlé Crenshaw of UCLA and Columbia Law Schools and Imani Perry of Princeton University, we honor the legacy of Shirley Chisholm and her contributions to the political arena at large.

Archival Materials Courtesy of:
Alamy Images
Associated Press
Getty Images
Library of Congress
National Archives and Records

Executive Producers:
Robert F. Smith
Henry Louis Gates Jr.
Dyllan McGee
Deon Taylor

Music By:
Oovra Music

Be Woke presents is brought to you by Robert F. Smith and Deon Taylor.

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