IV 112th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 451 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES November 1, 2011 Ms. Clarke of New York (for herself, Mr. Conyers, Mr. Cummings, Mr. Davis of Illinois, Mr. Hinchey, Mr. Israel, Mr. Jackson of Illinois, Ms. Jackson Lee of Texas, Ms. Lee of California, Mr. Lewis of Georgia, Mrs. Maloney, Mr. Meeks, Ms. Moore, Ms. Norton, Mr. Rangel, Ms. Richardson, Mr. Rush, Mr. Serrano, Ms. Sewell, Mr. Towns, Mr. Watt, and Ms. Wilson of Florida) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on House Administration RESOLUTION Honoring Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm on the 87th year of her birth.

Whereas the Honorable Shirley Chisholm is recognized for her unprecedented achievements during her lifetime as a public servant; Whereas Mrs. Chisholm, born in Brooklyn, New York, received a Bachelor’s degree from Brooklyn College, a Masters degree in elementary education from Columbia University, and an honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from Smith College; Whereas Mrs. Chisholm was elected to the New York State Legislature in 1964, and subsequently won New York’s 12th District congressional seat in 1968, becoming the first African-American woman to be elected to Congress; Whereas Mrs. Chisholm joined the Congressional Black Caucus as a founding member in 1969; Whereas Mrs. Chisholm demonstrated great tenacity in first achieving assignment, and then serving as a ranking member of the Education and Labor Committee during her 14 years in Congress; Whereas in her determination to challenge the status quo, even in the face of attempts against her life, she was the first African-American woman to run for President in 1972; Whereas Mrs. Chisholm served as the Secretary of the House Democratic Caucus during the 95th and 96th Congress; Whereas Mrs. Chisholm was a champion for women and underserved communities throughout her entire career through the support of legislation improving health care, education, and civil rights; Whereas Mrs. Chisholm was inducted into the Women’s Hall of Fame in 1993, and continues to inspire entire generations of women to follow her example as an unwavering spirit in the fight for social justice; and Whereas the life of Mrs. Chisholm demonstrates beyond question her importance as one of the preeminent advocates for positive change in United States history: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives— (1)recognizes the unprecedented impact on the pursuit of social equity for marginalized communities, underserved populations, and above all disenfranchised women; and (2)honors and pays tribute to Mrs. Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm, on the occasion of the 87th year of her birth, for a lifetime of exemplary public service.