[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 45 (Thursday, March 31, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E585]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING SHIRLEY CHISHOLM

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 31, 2011

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of the 
Honorable Shirley Chisholm, who was the first African-American woman 
elected to Congress (1969-83). She served with me as part of New York's 
congressional delegation and as a founding member of the Congressional 
Black Caucus.
  My dear colleague from Brooklyn was also the first African American 
to run for President of the United States when she declared her 
candidacy in 1972. Challenging all accepted practices of politics, this 
very junior Member of the House, an African American woman at that, by 
declaring for the Presidency, single-handedly raised the profile and 
aspirations of all those newly empowered Blacks and women of that era.
  In addition to her inspiration as a pioneer of political achievement 
by minorities, Chisholm was a champion for improving the quality of 
life in inner city communities, and a tireless advocate for protecting 
the rights of women and children throughout the United States.
  A historic figure in American politics who broke glass ceilings and 
set examples for future generations of leaders, Shirley Chisholm passed 
away at age 80 on January 1, 2005.
  I introduced legislation today to posthumously award a gold medal to 
my former colleague and trailblazing friend, in marking this week's 
40th Anniversary of the establishment of the Congressional Black 
Caucus, and in commemoration of National Women's History in March.
  Above all of her firsts, Shirley wanted most to be remembered as a 
`woman who lived in the twentieth century and who dared to be a 
catalyst for change.' I believe her legacy continues to inspire all of 
us to work for progress, and urge my colleagues to join me in honoring 
the life of Shirley Chisholm.

                          ____________________