As we draw closer to the 2008 presidential primaries - with Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama trading one-liners and fighting for percentage points - it's important to look back and pay homage to someone who paved the way for both of them.That person is Shirley Chisholm.
Like most people moderately well-versed in American politics, I thought I knew all about Shirley Chisholm. First black woman elected to Congress. First African American woman to run for President on a major party ticket . Those two bare-bones sentences don't nearly do her justice.
If she ran today, she'd have twice the grassroots buzz surrounding her that Ron Paul enjoys.
Her campaign slogan, "Unbought and Unbossed," spelled it out.
And if you don't get my meaning, here's an example: In her freshman year in Congress, you know how they hand out those committee assignments to new members? And you're pretty much supposed to take your assignment, smile, and be grateful for the honor? Well, Shirley Chisholm was assigned to a subcommittee of the House Agriculture Committee.
And what does agriculture have to do with her constituents back in Brooklyn, smack-dab in the middle of New York City? Not much.
And that's why she said, "No...I'm not going to take this assignment." She looked the powers-that-be in the eye (white men in those days) and just said no.
That was who she was - determined, committed, not a woman to be pushed around. And she was way, way ahead of her time.
That's why I'm surprised that more women (and men) aren't talking about her this campaign cycle and referencing her accomplishments.
She was the first woman to have her name placed in nomination for President at the Democratic National Convention.
She was the first African American to campaign for the Democratic nomination.
Clinton and Obama are campaigning on her legacy - a ground-breaking presidential race she knew she'd never win.
But as she explained, "Somebody has to be the first."
Photo (c) Thomas J. O'Halloran / U.S. News & World Reports / Library of Congress
Comments
I read your article regarding Shirley Chisholm. I believe if she were living today and put her hat in the ring to run for President, she would have a great opportunity to win, just like Obama has a great opportunity to be the first African American male to be President. Her endurance encouraged me to run as a first African American female candidate for City Council At Large in my hometown, Evansville, Indiana. I received over 1700 votes. I will run again for another office in 2008.
this article helped me write a report. it sounded very professional and educational and easy to read. i had no idea who this lady was but now i understand who she was and how she affected the way we run our goverment. Thank you for writing this article it really helped me out alot.
i am doing a project on her and she is what i want to learn more about her
shirley is the best ever and we are doin a huge project on her and we need more research!!! and my friend sitting next to me says say it dont spray it for all you spitters out there. now she wants some water and this is getting out of hand…SHIRLEY CHISHOLM IS THE BEZT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!