Unbought and Unbossed Painting

Shirley Chisholm is an American politician. She was born in 1924 in Brooklyn. She was told very early on in her life to pursue politics, however Chisholm didn't believe it was practical because she was black and a woman. So she studied and worked in early childhood education. She excelled and became an educational consultant for New York City's Bureau of Child Welfare from 1959 to 1964. In 1968, Chisholm became the first African American congresswoman, beginning the first of seven terms in the House of Representatives. She was known for being very strong and uncompromising in her beliefs. Even when she was assigned to the House Forestry Committee, she knew it made no sense given her background and upbringing in Brooklyn and Barbados, Chisholm demanded to be reassigned. Shirley Chisholm championed gender and racial equality, employment opportunities and minority education throughout her career. In 1972, she made history yet again and became the first African American woman to make a bid for the U.S. presidency with a major party. Sadly her campaigning was often blocked and untelevised because she was a woman and black. She had the audacity to be fearless and present because she knew her role as a catalyst was pivotal for change in the country and that she would pave the roads for future politicians such as Kamala Harris. She died in 2005.