Shirley Chisholm’s legacy lives on: Congress passes legislation to posthumously honor her with the Congressional Gold Medal – Essence

The groundbreaking legacy of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress, continues to encourage as the House of Representatives passed legislation on Wednesday to posthumously award her the prestigious Congressional Gold Medal. This distinction, the highest expression of national recognition for outstanding achievement, recognizes her monumental contributions to American history and progress.

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12) led the bipartisan effort to honor Chisholm’s historic achievements. Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY-8), Members of Congress Maxine Waters (D-CA-43), Yvette Clarke (D-NY-11), and Byron Donalds (R-FL-19) joined her in defense of the Shirley Act about the gold medal of the Chisholm Congress. Senators Laphonza Butler (D-CA) and Raphael Warnock (D-GA) introduced the Senate companion bill.

“It is critical for the next generation of leaders that the first Black woman elected to Congress receive the recognition she deserves,” said Congresswoman Lee. “Mr. C, thank you for not being bought and disempowered, for paving the way and being a catalyst for change.”

Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1924 to parents from Guyana and Barbados, Chisholm’s Caribbean roots played a key role in her identity and shaped her pioneering profession. As a toddler, she was sent to live with her grandmother in Barbados. She credits her early education on the island with instilling in her the fierce independence and keenness for justice that defined her life’s work.

In 1968, Chisholm made history as the first black woman elected to Congress, representing New York’s twelfth Congressional District. Four years later, she broke one other barrier as the first black woman to seek the presidential nomination for a serious political party. Known as “Fighting Shirley,” she introduced 50 pieces of legislation during her seven terms in the House, advocating for racial and gender equality, low-income communities and an end to the Vietnam War.

“Shirley Chisholm led an honorable life of service and was a trailblazer who opened doors for generations of Black women and imaginations about what leadership looks like for our entire nation,” said Senator Butler. “Her extraordinary contributions deserve recognition, and today I am proud to stand with my colleagues in both chambers to honor her legacy, ensuring that future generations of leaders will never forget her courage, sacrifice and patriotism.”

Chisholm’s mantra stays an emblem of uncompromising leadership and empowerment, especially for Black women. The bill received overwhelming bipartisan support, with lawmakers across the political spectrum praising its contributions.

Shirley Chisholm’s legacy extends beyond the borders of the United States, and her Caribbean roots are a deep source of pride and inspiration. As previously reported by ESSENCE, the former Vauxhall Primary School in Barbados, where Chisholm spent a part of her childhood, was renamed Shirley Chisholm Primary School in April – in homage to the island that helped shape her pioneering spirit.

In a moving celebration of her cultural and academic foundations, Congresswoman Barbara Lee commemorated Chisholm’s centennial on November 30 in Barbados by highlighting the lasting impact of her Caribbean heritage.

New York City honored Chisholm’s milestone on November 30 with an inauguration, celebrating her lasting impact.

The Congressional Gold Medal is a robust testament to her legacy. As Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA) said, “She fought for an inclusive democracy that is consistent with our nation’s highest ideals of equality and justice under the law.”

Shirley Chisholm died in 2005 at the age of 80, but her influence stays. As the legislation heads to President Biden’s desk for his signature, her story stays a beacon of hope, inspiring generations to break down barriers and defend justice.