SHIRLEY CHISHOLM
Shirley Chisholm became the first black congresswomen in 1969 and began her first of seven terms. She made her way through a few committees and eventually was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus. Chisholm was also the first African American woman to make a bid to be President of the U.S. when she decided to run for the Democratic nomination in 1972. Chisholm left Congress in 1983 and went into teaching, but continued to served as inspiration to blacks, especially black women.
By Christine Edwards