Shirley Chisholm

Hello. My name is Shirley Chisholm. I was born in a big city called Brooklyn, New York, on November 30th, 1924. When I was a little girl, I loved to learn new things in school. I was not afraid to speak up for what I believed was right. Even when I was small, I used my big voice to help make things fair for everyone around me.

I loved being around children and books. After I finished college in the year 1946, I became a teacher. It made my heart so happy to help little boys and girls learn their letters. I loved watching them learn to read stories and write their own names. Helping children made me want to help even more people in my community. I wanted to make sure everyone was treated with kindness and had a chance to learn and grow.

I decided I could help more people by making fair rules for everyone. So, I decided to help lead my country. In the year 1968, I did something very special. I became the first African American woman to be in a big meeting called Congress, where people make important rules for the country. A few years later, in 1972, I told everyone I wanted to be the president. I wanted to be the leader of the whole country so I could help all the people, big and small.

I spent my life using my voice to fight for others. I lived to be 80 years old and passed away in 2005. People remember me for being strong and for always speaking up. They said I was 'Unbought and Unbossed.' I hope you remember to use your voice to help others, too.