Black Historical Figures Summaries

1. Shirley Chisholm 1924-2005

In 1968, the US Congress was never to be the same after Shirley Chisholm became the first African-American woman in Congress. During her time in Congres, Chisholm introduced more than 50 pieces of legislation including the fight to end racial and gender inequality, the difficulties of the poor and ending the Vietnam War. “Fighting Shirley” was the first woman and African-American to seek a nomination for US presidency. However, she faced much discrimination along her journey. While trying to receive a Democratic nomination, Chisholm was not allowed to participate in televised primary debates. After legal action, she was only permitted one speech. Despite blatant societal challenges, Chisholm continued to fight for the rights of others while remaining in Congress. Chisholm taught at Mount Holyoke College after retiring from Congress in 1983. She was also the co-founder of the National Political Congress of Black Women. Shirley Chisholm reminds us of strength and power as she looked into the face of bigotry and chose to move forward.

2. Claudette Colvin: 1939-present

If anyone ever explains the telltale lie that blatant, ‘acceptable’ racism happened a long time ago, the story of Claudette Colvin might make them reconsider their words. Born on September 5, 1939, Claudette Colvin was arrested at the age of fifteen for refusing to give up her seat on the bus ride home. On March 2, 1955, Colvin stated that it was her constitutional right to remain in her seat as she already paid her bus fare. She was only trying to make her way home. Two police officers boarded the bus, placed her in handcuffs and arrested her. This situation occurred nine months before it would happen again to Rosa Parks...in the same city…in the same bus system. However, despite both their efforts being incredibly brave, Colvin was only fifteen facing similar consequences of adults for committing crimes worse than sitting down in the ‘wrong’ place. Claudette Colvin reminds us that there were many people that have been forgotten along the lines of history. Whether they were silenced by fear, their community, or their own death, Colvin’s story is one of perseverance. Being a teenager is not easy, nonetheless being imprisoned as a black fifteen year old who just broke the law, all of the while being ridiculed with profanities by police officers. She said nothing. She prayed, cried and feared for her life as she recounted the events of death that her ancestors and the people of her community faced. Claudette Colvin is eighty-two this ​ ​ year.