Chisholm, Shirley (1924–2005)

Chisholm was the first black woman elected to Congress, serving as congresswoman of New York’s 12th district for seven terms between 1969 to 1983. She promoted such issues as childcare, education, the repeal of the draft, and improvement of the quality of life for inner city residents. In 1972 she became the first woman to run for the Democratic presidential nomination.