Delta Sigma Theta’s Shirley Chisholm Was the First Black Woman Elected to Congress and First to Run for President

In an era defined by deep social upheavals and political transformations, Shirley Chisholm stood as a trailblazing force. A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Chisholm became the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress in 1968, representing New York’s 12th congressional district, which encompassed the heart of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. Just four years later, in 1972, she shattered another barrier, launching a historic bid as the first Black candidate for a major-party nomination for the President of the United States and the first woman to seek the Democratic Party’s nomination.

Born Shirley Anita St. Hill on November 30, 1924, in Brooklyn, New York, Chisholm’s upbringing was a blend of American and Barbadian influences. She spent her formative years between New York and Barbados. An exceptional student, she earned her college degree in the U.S. and initially pursued a career in early childhood education, working as a teacher and later an administrator. It was during this time that Chisholm became increasingly involved in local Democratic Party politics in the 1950s, rising through the ranks as an advocate for civil rights and women’s equality.

Her entry into electoral politics was not without challenges. In 1964, she overcame resistance, especially because of her gender, to win a seat in the New York State Assembly. She quickly gained a reputation for her unapologetic stance on issues of economic, social, and racial injustice. Her dedication to addressing the needs of marginalized communities propelled her into national politics, and in 1968, she made history as the first Black woman elected to Congress.

Once in Washington, Chisholm built a reputation for her progressive policies and outspokenness. She led efforts to expand nutrition and food programs for the poor and consistently championed the rights of women and minorities, challenging the status quo at every turn. “Unbought and Unbossed” became her mantra, reflecting her refusal to be silenced by party politics or societal expectations.

In 1972, Chisholm’s presidential run was groundbreaking. Her candidacy was an audacious challenge to the predominantly white, male-dominated political arena. Though she faced immense obstacles—from racism to sexism—she remained resolute, stating, “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 I am equally proud of that. I am the candidate of the people of America.” Her campaign, though unsuccessful in securing the Democratic nomination, set the stage for future generations of women and minorities to pursue the nation’s highest office.

After retiring from Congress in 1983, Chisholm continued her activism, teaching at Mount Holyoke College and engaging in political organizing. Though health issues forced her to decline a nomination to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Jamaica in 1993, her legacy only grew. In 2015, a decade after her passing, Chisholm was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, a recognition of her indelible impact on American politics and society.

Shirley Chisholm’s career remains a testament to courage, resilience, and the power of representation. As a pioneering member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and a trailblazer in American politics, her legacy continues to inspire those who seek to challenge systemic barriers and advocate for a more just and equitable society.