Members of BC ALANA (African, Latinx, Asian, Native American & Allies) chose to feature congressional trailblazer Shirley Chisholm, on t-shirts worn by students and staff last week in celebration of Black History Month.
Chisholm made history in 1968 as the first black woman elected to the United States Congress, representing Brooklyn’s 12th Congressional District for seven terms. Known as “Fighting Shirley,” she introduced more than 50 pieces of legislation and championed racial and gender equality, advocated for the poor, co-founded the National Women’s Political Caucus, and became the first black woman to serve on the powerful House Rules Committee. Her courage and conviction continue to inspire generations.
“We [ALANA] decided on Shirley Chisholm because her story is not taught in school or in general,” said BC Senior Paisley Sims. “Her story aligns with many of the principles that ALANA strives to emulate, and she is a very important piece of Black History, not too far from us.
“Defeat should not be the source of discouragement, but a stimulus to keep plotting.” -Shirley Chisholm.