Every year on November 30, New Yorkers will remember Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress and the first female candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination.
The New York City Council declared November 18, 2024, “Shirley Chisholm Day” in remembrance of the political trailblazer and Bedford-Stuyvesant native. This action was taken before November 30, which would have been Chisholm’s 100th birthday.
- Advertisement -
Chisholm, who passed away in 2005, served seven terms from 1969 to 1983 as the representative for Brooklyn’s 12th Congressional District, which included a large portion of Bedford-Stuyvesant. In subsequent years, her memory was honored with several awards, such as a statue in Prospect Park that municipal officials authorized and a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015.
The proposal was sponsored by Brooklyn Councilmember Farah Louis, who highlighted the significance of Chisholm’s legacy in motivating the next generation of leaders. She also added that it would “show young women in our city, particularly Black women and women of color, that their dreams are valid and their voices matter).”
Louis noted, “This legislation is more than a recognition – but an affirmation – of the contribution of Shirley Anita Chisholm, who unlocked and opened doors for generations of political leaders who were excluded simply for being Black.”
After Donald Trump defeated Kamala Harris, the first Black woman elected vice president, in the most recent election, the City Council took action. New York City voters gave Harris over twice the number of votes that they gave the now-standing president who is a product of the 2024 general election, President Trump.
