Voices & Culture · 1960s

Shirley Chisholm

In memoriam 1924–2005

“Unbought and unbossed, the first Black woman elected to Congress and to seek a major-party presidential nomination.”

Shirley Anita St. HillReal name

November 30, 1924, Brooklyn, New York CityBorn

January 1, 2005, Ormond Beach, FloridaDied

First Black woman elected to U.S. CongressFirst

'Unbought and Unbossed'Slogan

The Turning Point

In 1968, Shirley Chisholm was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, becoming the first Black woman ever to serve in Congress. The historic victory launched a trailblazing career that would include a run for the presidency.

Shirley Chisholm announcing her presidential candidacy, 1972

Brooklyn Educator

Born in Brooklyn in 1924 to immigrant parents, Shirley St. Hill grew up partly in Barbados and became an early-childhood educator. Her work in Brooklyn communities drew her into local politics.

Congressional Pioneer

In 1968 Chisholm shattered a barrier as the first Black woman elected to Congress. She was an outspoken advocate for the poor, women, and minorities, and helped found the Congressional Black Caucus.

Unbought and Unbossed

In 1972 she became the first Black woman to seek a major party's presidential nomination, campaigning under the slogan 'Unbought and Unbossed.' Her courage earned a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015.

Career Timeline

1924Born Shirley St. Hill in Brooklyn, New York
1965Elected to the New York State Assembly
1968First Black woman elected to Congress
1969Begins fighting for education and labor issues
1971Co-founds the Congressional Black Caucus
1972Runs for the Democratic presidential nomination
1977Becomes secretary of House Democratic Caucus
1983Retires from Congress after 14 years
2005Dies in Ormond Beach, Florida
2015Posthumously awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom

Biggest Hits

1970

Unbought and UnbossedHer autobiography and famous campaign slogan

1968

Congressional ElectionFirst Black woman elected to U.S. Congress

1972

Presidential CampaignFirst Black woman to seek a major party's nomination

1971

Congressional Black CaucusFounding member of the influential caucus

1973

The Good FightHer memoir of the 1972 presidential run

2015

Presidential Medal of FreedomNation's highest civilian honor, awarded posthumously

Did You Know

Her campaign slogan 'Unbought and Unbossed' is inscribed on her mausoleum.
She survived three assassination attempts during her groundbreaking 1972 presidential campaign.

The Moment You Remember

Announcing her candidacy for president in 1972, Chisholm declared herself a candidate for all the people, a moment that broke new ground for Black Americans and women in national politics.

Portrait: Thomas J. O'Halloran (restored by Adam Cuerden) · Public domain (no known copyright restrictions, U.S. News & World Report) · via Wikimedia Commons

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