For the Equal Rights Amendment

Chisholm was a teacher, activist, and politician who lived from 1924 to 2005. She was the second Black woman elected to the New York State Assembly in 1964, and the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress in 1968. Throughout her life, Chisholm was a staunch advocate for civil rights and women’s rights, pressing for policies that promoted equality and legal protection for these groups. She would go on to become the first Black woman to run for president, and although her campaign ended during the primaries, her impact on political and public policy was felt for years to come. She served in Congress until 1981, working to improve education provision, health care, and child-care services for inner-city residents, particularly women. Chisholm also supported the land rights of Indigenous Americans.

Born in Brooklyn but raised for much of her childhood in Barbados, Chisholm considered herself Barbadian American. Her father was a laborer, and her mother was a seamstress and domestic worker, so Chisholm saw the many challenges faced by Black and immigrant families in America firsthand. Though she began her career as a teacher and nursery school director, Chisholm’s interest in activism and politics soon drew her to volunteer with groups like the Brooklyn Democratic Clubs and the League of Women Voters. After assisting with several campaigns for other group members, she launched her own political career.

Chisholm was known for her direct, passionate rhetoric when addressing issues of importance. She did not hesitate to stand up to male colleagues on subjects of racial and gender equality. Her style as a writer and speaker reflects this direct, persuasive tone. Throughout this speech, Chisholm makes her points in a straightforward, no-nonsense manner, never wavering from her overall message or showing doubt or deference in the face of veteran Congressional colleagues.