Day 5. Shirley Chisholm Unbought and Unbossed

The groundbreaking daughter of Barbadian and Guyanese immigrants, and the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress.

A Legacy of Firsts and Fierce Advocacy
Today, we celebrate the enduring legacy of Shirley Chisholm (1924–2005), a bold, visionary leader whose trailblazing political career changed the face of American democracy. Born in Brooklyn, New York to parents from Barbados and British Guiana (now Guyana), Chisholm never forgot her Caribbean roots or her mission: to serve the people, not the party.

In 1968, she made history as the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress, representing New York’s 12th Congressional District. But she didn’t stop there.

In 1972, Shirley Chisholm became the first Black person and the first woman to seek the presidential nomination of a major U.S. political party—running on a platform of equity, education, justice, and inclusion.

“I am not the candidate of Black America, although I am Black and proud. I am not the candidate of the women’s movement of this country, although I am a woman and equally proud of that… I am the candidate of the people of America.” — Shirley Chisholm, 1972 Presidential Campaign Announcement

Fighting for the Marginalized

Chisholm built her career on being unapologetically independent, famously adopting the campaign slogan: “Unbought and Unbossed.” In Congress, she championed legislation focused on child welfare, education, health care, workers’ rights, and the fight against systemic racism and sexism. She co-founded both the Congressional Black Caucus and the National Women’s Political Caucus, forging new paths for future generations.

Even under immense pressure and threats, she remained outspoken and grounded in her values. Her boldness continues to inspire politicians, educators, and activists today.

Stories of Courage and Defiance

One of her most powerful actions came during her presidential campaign when she visited George Wallace, a pro-segregationist governor who had been shot and paralyzed. Chisholm, practicing radical compassion, shocked both supporters and critics by seeing his humanity—even when he had not seen hers.

“You don’t make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas.” — Shirley Chisholm

Learn More About Shirley Chisholm

📚 Books by and about Chisholm:
– Unbought and Unbossed by Shirley Chisholm (1970)

– Shirley Chisholm: Catalyst for Change by Barbara Winslow

– Shirley Chisholm Dared: The Story of the First Black Woman in Congress by Alicia D. Williams (children’s biography)

🎧 Watch and Listen:
– PBS Documentary: Chisholm ’72: Unbought and Unbossed

– Podcast: Shirley Chisholm Win Opened Doors for Others on NPR

🏛️ Explore Online:
– National Women’s History Museum  hosts an education lesson on Chisholm’s life and impact

Today’s Reflection

Shirley Chisholm was a proud daughter of the Caribbean diaspora who made American political history. She showed us what it means to lead with integrity, speak truth to power, and never let the odds silence your vision.

Her advice to the world still stands: “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.”

💬In what ways did Chisholm’s boldness and courage open doors for others?

💬How can you make space at your “tables” for those that are marginalized and excluded?

💬 Chisholm’s mantra was “Unbought and Unbossed.” What does that mean to you as you reflect on Chisholm’s legacy?

Tomorrow, we’ll explore the Black Power movement, and the people behind it.

Join us each day this month as we spotlight a different Caribbean American whose legacy calls us to reflect, learn, and celebrate. These stories are about community, culture, and the contributions that come from the rich intersections of heritage and homeland. Our weekly themes will help guide us through different aspects of Caribbean American influence—from activism to art, invention to entrepreneurship—creating a mosaic of identity that is as joyful as it is complex.

Learn More: The Shirley Chisholm Project of Brooklyn Women’s Activism is a repository of women’s grassroots social activism in Brooklyn since 1945 and ongoing in the present. https://chisholmproject.com/

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