Shirley Chisholm: A Trailblazing American Politician

A Life of Firsts

Shirley Chisholm was a trailblazing American politician, educator, and author who made history as the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress in 1968. She was born in the US, but what a lot of people don’t know is that she grew up in Barbados.

A Career of Social Justice

Representing New York’s 12th congressional district, she championed social justice, education reform, and women’s rights during her seven terms in office. Her motto, “Unbought and Unbossed,” defined her fearless approach to politics and dedication to independent thinking.

In 1972, Chisholm broke another barrier by becoming the first Black woman to run for the presidency of the United States as a major-party candidate. She prioritized issues like racial equality, economic opportunity, and healthcare reform, gaining support from marginalized communities across the nation.

A Legacy of Inspiration

Beyond politics, Chisholm was a staunch advocate for education and equal rights. A former educator, she used her platform to fight for improved schools, childcare, and anti-poverty programs. Her legacy continues to inspire activists and politicians today, reminding the world that courage, determination, and vision can challenge the status quo and ignite meaningful change.

The Shirley Chisholm Project

The Division of Culture, Prime Minister’s Office has launched a series of educational initiatives for primary schools as part of the Shirley Chisholm Project, ‘Celebrating Shirley – 100 Years’, a Government-led programme to honour and celebrate the life and legacy of Shirley Chisholm.

During the official launch at the Shirley Chisholm Primary School in Vauxhall, Christ Church on Tuesday, Rodney Grant, Chairman of the Shirley Chisholm Project, explained that the activities include primary schools heritage tours and visits and a National Library Service (NLS) Primary Schools Art Competition.

Grant said, “As we are all aware, [Shirley] Chisholm spent part of her early childhood here in Barbados and went on to make history as the first black woman to be elected to the United States Congress and to run for a Presidential nomination in that country.

“She was a true champion for civil rights, gender equality and social justice and through these activities we aim to educate young people about her story and her remarkable achievements but, more importantly, we want to inspire them to pursue greatness.”

Heritage Tours and Visits

Students will participate in guided tours around Christ Church, highlighting locations of significance to Ms. Chisholm’s early life in Barbados. The tours and visits aim to foster appreciation and understanding of Barbados’ rich cultural heritage.

Dr. Sheron Johnson, Senior Cultural Policy and Research Officer at the Division of Culture noted that the tours and visits aim to inspire a sense of pride and responsibility toward preserving Barbados’ history.

Conclusion

The Shirley Chisholm Project is a testament to the enduring legacy of this trailblazing American politician. Her life and achievements serve as a reminder that courage, determination, and vision can challenge the status quo and ignite meaningful change.

FAQs

Q: What is the Shirley Chisholm Project?

A: The Shirley Chisholm Project is a Government-led programme to honour and celebrate the life and legacy of Shirley Chisholm.

Q: What activities are included in the project?

A: The project includes primary schools heritage tours and visits, and a National Library Service (NLS) Primary Schools Art Competition.

Q: What is the theme of the art competition?

A: The theme of the art competition is: ‘The Importance of Education to Character Development’.

Q: How can students participate in the art competition?

A: Students can submit their entries, of drawings or paintings depicting their interpretation of Ms. Chisholm’s primary school education in Barbados, via email to honourchisholm@nls.gov.bb no later than Independence Day, Saturday, November 30.

Q: What is the significance of Barbados’ Independence Day, November 30, 2024?

A: November 30, 2024 marks the centenary anniversary of Shirley Chisholm’s birth.

Students of the Shirley Chisholm Primary School participating in the heritage tour on Tuesday. (Division of Culture)