Contributed
WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Barbara Lee (CA-12) attended the signing in the U.S. Capitol of her bipartisan legislation to honor the life and work of the late Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress. Vice President Kamala Harris signed the Shirley Chisholm Congressional Gold Medal Act, posthumously awarding Chisholm with a Congressional Gold Medal – the highest award Congress can bestow – in commemoration of her accomplishments, activism and legacy.
“It was an honor to stand next to Vice President Kamala Harris as she signed this historic bill,” said Congresswoman Lee. “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. 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 for being a catalyst for change.”
In 1968, Chisholm became the first Black congresswoman in history. During her seven terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, “Fighting Shirley” introduced 50 pieces of legislation and was a champion for racial and gender equity, low-income communities, and the end of the Vietnam War. In 1972, Chisholm became the first woman and Black candidate to seek the nomination for president of the United States from one of the two major political parties. After a lifetime of service, Shirley Chisholm died at the age of 80 in Ormond Beach, Florida, on New Year’s Day 2005.
Congresswoman Lee celebrated what would have been Chisholm’s 100th birthday on November 30 in Barbados. Chisholm’s motto, “Unbought and Unbossed,” embodies her unwavering advocacy for women and minorities and continues to inspire a generation of leaders.
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).
Feature Image: Vice President Kamala Harris, joined by U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (CA-12) and U.S. Senator Laphonza Butler (D-CA), signs the Shirley Chisholm Congressional Gold Medal Act at the U.S. Capitol, Monday, December 9, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)