Over 50 years ago, Congresswoman Chisholm made history as the first woman and first African American to run for President of the United States. The Honorable Shirley Chisholm was the first African American woman elected to the United States Congress. Fifty years ago, Congresswoman Chisholm took her seat as the Representative from New York’s 12th Congressional District, a post she held for seven terms until 1982. She was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus and has influenced and encouraged generations of African American politicians.

Congresswoman Chisholm was a tireless voice for American families, tackling food insecurity, and fighting for upward economic mobility for all Americans. Her commitment to these causes provided the opportunity for others to speak openly and passionately about causes near to their hearts in Congress. Despite the pervasive racism and sexism she faced during her tenure, she remained “unbought and unbossed.”

The Congressional Gold Medal serves as the highest expression of national gratitude for distinguished service and achievements. Chisholm’s election to Congress and her Presidential candidacy raised the profile and political aspirations of all African Americans and women in politics.

You can view the bill here.

U.S. Representative Barbara Lee (CA-12) on December 5th, 2024, celebrated the passage of her bipartisan legislation to honor the life and work of the late Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm. The Shirley Chisholm Congressional Gold Medal Act would instruct Congress to posthumously bestow Chisholm with a Congressional Gold Medal – the highest award Congress can bestow – in commemoration of her accomplishments, activism, and legacy. Alongside Congresswoman Lee, the Shirley Chisholm Congressional Gold Medal Act was led in the House by Democratic Leader Jeffries (D-NY-8), Congressmembers Maxine Waters (D-CA-43), Yvette Clarke (D-NY-11), and Byron Donalds (R-FL-19). The Senate companion to the bill was introduced by Senators Laphonza Butler (D-CA) and Raphael Warnock (D-GA).

“The Congressional Gold Medal serves as the nation’s highest expression of gratitude for distinguished service and achievements, and I see no one more deserving than Shirley Chisholm,” said Congresswoman Lee. “It is critical for the next generation of leaders to see the first Black woman elected to Congress get the recognition that she deserves. Congresswoman Chisholm made history as the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress and the first Black woman to run for President of the United States.  To Mrs. C, thank you for being unbought and unbossed, for paving the way, and being a catalyst for change.”

“Shirley Chisholm lived an honorable life of service and was a trailblazer who opened doors for generations of Black women and opened the imagination of what leadership looked like for our entire nation,” said Senator Butler. “Her extraordinary contributions to American history and progress deserve recognition, and today I am proud to stand with my colleagues in both chambers and on both sides of the aisle to have taken this step to celebrate her legacy, ensuring that future generation of leaders never forget her courage, sacrifice, and patriotism.”

To watch Rep. Lee’s remarks on the House floor, click on video below: