The Los Angeles Post
U.S. World Business Lifestyle
Today: March 27, 2025
Today: March 27, 2025

Shirley Chisholm Day honors pioneering New York congresswoman on what would be her 100th birthday

November 30, 2024
Dave Carlin - WCBS

    NEW YORK (WCBS) -- Shirley Chisholm, New York's pioneering congresswoman from Brooklyn, is being honored today on what would have been her 100th birthday.

Nov. 30 is Shirley Chisholm Day in New York City, and special events are planned for the centennial celebrating the first Black woman elected to Congress in 1968.

Brooklyn's trailblazing congresswoman honored in new exhibit Chisholm's life and legacy are commemorated in the "Changing the Face of Democracy: Shirley Chisholm at 100" exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York.

She was born in Brooklyn in 1924 and was 80 when she died in 2005.

"Shirley Chisholm was unbought and unbossed. She had a Brooklyn spirit. She was a fighter at all times," U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said.

"Just a trailblazer, really a symbol and the epitome of what the American dream is and can be," said Kerwin Ledesna.

Ledesna brought his 2-year-old Nova into a vintage voting booth set up to reflect the year 1972, when Chisholm announced her historic candidacy for the Democratic nomination for president.

"Because of her, we've had more women in politics"

For Chisholm's 100th birthday celebration, the Museum of the City of New York is offering special programming Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

"Definitely a range of activities for the whole family," said Sarah Seidman, the museum's Puffin Foundation curator of social activism. "Making a megaphone to make your voice heard, various things."

"Because of her, we've had more women in politics," said Lauren Frederick, of Co-Op City.

"I feel represented by her," said Oswaldo Guedez.

Recently, gatherings in Chisholm's honor have been held across the region, including at Nostrand Park and Brower Park.

There's also Shirley Chisholm Place at Park Place and Kingston Avenue, and a newly-renovated government building.

"On November 30th, in connection with the celebration of Shirley Chisholm's 100th birthday, we are also rededicating this state office building which has been named after the honorable Shirley Chisholm and provides such vital services to the communities of Central Brooklyn and beyond," Jeffries said.

The New York City Council Committee on Civil and Human Rights voted to declare Nov. 30 Shirley Chisholm Day on Nov. 19. It will be celebrated every year.

Related Articles

Undeterred by Iran or Russia, ultra-Orthodox Israelis celebrate New Year in Ukraine St. Lucia's first Olympic medalist returns home to cheers and calypso Dancing, drums and rituals: with zeal and joy, India celebrates Hindu festival Ganesh Chaturthi A tight-knit hockey family planned to celebrate with loved ones this weekend. Instead, they’re planning two funerals
Share This

Popular

Americas|Arts|Crime|Political|World

Photographer with exclusive access to El Salvador prison explains what he witnessed

Photographer with exclusive access to El Salvador prison explains what he witnessed
Arts|Asia|Environment|World

South Koreans mourn historic temple burnt by wildfire, race to save others

South Koreans mourn historic temple burnt by wildfire, race to save others
Arts|Business|Education|Lifestyle|Technology

University of Kansas student finds passion, and a business, in typewriter repair

University of Kansas student finds passion, and a business, in typewriter repair
Arts|Celebrity|Crime|Entertainment|US

30 years after music icon Selena's murder, Yolanda Saldívar is up for parole. Here's what to know

30 years after music icon Selena's murder, Yolanda Saldívar is up for parole. Here's what to know

Political

Africa|Political|World

US urges South Sudan president to release VP Machar, who is reportedly under house arrest

US urges South Sudan president to release VP Machar, who is reportedly under house arrest
Asia|Business|Economy|Finance|Political|Stock Markets|US

Auto stocks slide as US tariffs spoil profit outlook

Auto stocks slide as US tariffs spoil profit outlook
Business|Economy|Europe|Political

UK vehicle output falls in February, industry data shows

UK vehicle output falls in February, industry data shows
Business|Economy|Political|US|World

Trump says larger tariffs could be imposed on Canada, EU if they cause US 'economic harm'

Trump says larger tariffs could be imposed on Canada, EU if they cause US 'economic harm'

Access this article for free.

Already have an account? Sign In