Brooklyn, New York (November 20, 1924 -January 1, 2005)

“Unbought and Unbossed”, That was the slogan of maverick politician Shirley Chisholm. She shattered barriers and spoke her mind. She stood up for the disadvantaged. In 1968, she became the first Black woman ever chosen to Congress. After her election to Congress, Chisholm scored another historic first. In 1972, she declared her candidacy for the Democratic nomination for President. She later wrote of her unsuccessful bid. She believed that the next time a woman, a Black person, or a Jew runs, they will be taken seriously. This includes anyone from a group that the country is ‘not ready’ to elect to its highest office. I ran because somebody had to do it first.”