Unit 5 - Chapter 11: Biography

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Teacher View

Shirley Chisholm
1924—2005

Shirley Chisholm was born in Brooklyn, New York. She lived on the Caribbean island of Barbados until she was 11. Her father taught her to challenge people who did not treat others fairly.

Chisholm was always a leader. In 1960 she started a political club in Harlem, New York. This club encouraged African American and Spanish-speaking citizens to vote.

In 1964 Chisholm was elected to the New York State Assembly. She was elected to the United States Congress in 1968. While in congress, she worked to improve education and civil rights. Shirley Chisholm also worked to improve women’s rights and to help the poor. In 1972, Shirley Chisholm ran for President of the United States.

Take a Closer Look

History of Women’s Rights
The issue of women’s rights has been a major issue in the United States for many years. Take a look at a timeline about the history of women’s rights in the United States.

United States Congress
The United States Congress is the home to the legislative branch of the United States Government. Learn more about how Congress and our government work.

A Speech by Shirley Chisholm
Shirley Chisholm worked very hard to improve women’s rights. Read a speech written by Shirley Chisholm in 1969. Do you think women’s rights have improved since then?



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