Shirley Chisholm

What Shirley contributed

Won election to the U.S. House of Representatives and later sought a major party’s presidential nomination.

The story

An educator before entering politics, Chisholm represented Brooklyn. In 1972, she campaigned for the Democratic presidential nomination, calling attention to people often excluded from national political power.

Why it matters

Her candidacy and legislative work widened the possibilities for women and Black Americans in politics.