There are so many African Americans who have paved the way by inspiring me to excel. Shirley Chisholm is foremost the most inspirational African American who has guided my path. For the most part, this African American changed history within the United States; therefore, she provided hope and inspiration within African American communities. Specifically, Shirley Chisholm showed everyone that she would change the lives of her fellow people by becoming the first black American woman to become a congresswoman in 1968.
When Shirley Chisholm became the first black American woman to become a congresswoman, she represented the state of New York for seven terms in the House of Representatives. After being placed with the House Forestry Committee,
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In a similar experience, I had to fight for my educational opportunities when an advanced course and dual enrollment programs were threatened to be taken away at my school. Some classmates and I went to the administrators and some school board members to advocate for these programs. Although, we did encounter some resistance, the programs were kept and promoted more throughout the school year and we were successful. As usual, as an African American in that era, Chisholm did face some tremendous obstacles and hatred for the services she was bringing within the country. Drawing from her strength, I learned to overcome insults and humility from the people that were downing the many honors and reputation I was receiving. Consequently, she did have support from the ones who wanted change for the betterment of their lives. Throughout the trails I was facing, I had supportive friends, family, and counselors that pushed me to strive harder and harder than others expected. Particularly, her courage, diligence, and rectitude gained her success and respect throughout the world. Being challenged through the four years at my high school, I first suffered from bitterness from others, then I grew this confidence and success that overshadowed everyone’s hurtful
Instead of listening to the Secret Service she asked one of the head Pilots to fly her. She was optimistic when they landed. She asked why are they not flying into war, they're really good. Later she donated $175,000 to build a new Runway. One of her most important contributions to the Tuskegee airmen and civil rights was to talk to FDR the president and ask for them to join the war effort. she said all people should be equal and they should all have the opportunity to fight for their
One of the most influential and inspirational women of all time was Rosa Parks. By one action she helped change the lives of a majority of African Americans and more importantly society as a whole. Rosa Parks sparked the attention of America when she refused to settle for the black (lower class)standards. Not only did she help change the lives for many African Americans but she helped equality for all men and women in the United States. By one brave women our world will be forever thankful.
In my opinion, Ms. Jordan opened doors for black women with her strong voice and fearlessness. Barbara Jordan pushed for legislation that effects every minority child in Texas. Ms. Jordan also helped employers with her minimum wage
“You don’t make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas.” This quote relates to Shirley Chisholm because even though she was a women and African American, it did not stop her from becoming a congresswoman. Also becoming the first African American Women to run for presidency (biography.com). Shirley Chisholm’s life was influenced by her early life. Their major accomplishments to American society including becoming the first African American congresswoman helped them earn their place in history as an important African American.
Another amazing African American women leader and voice for her feminist activist audience was Sojourner Truth who spoke from within
Black women all over the world are continuing to guide and mentor younger black women. Their guidance is very much significant and impactful to the lives of the younger generation. The likes of Maya Angelou, Oprah, Tyra, and a lot of other prominent black figures and celebrities serve as an example and a role model for black women.
Shirley Chisholm, first African American woman to be elected to Congress was born in Brooklyn on November 30, 1924. She is one of the most profound and admired women that challenged society not only as a woman, but a woman of color. She made many contributions to the women's movement and society.
Shirley Chisholm’s deep involvement within the community strengthened her political influence. She grew more alert to the problems that affected her people such as police brutality, poverty, and women’s lack of rights. Chisholm was an active participant in many community groups such as the League of Women Voters and the Seventeenth Assembly District Democratic Club while also being active in the Democratic Party. Through her experiences, she gained great leadership skills by having responsibilities and learning the art of organizing and
Mrs.Chisholm displayed the characteristics of a true Visionary Leader by creating a vision of diversity. Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education [BCEE] (2016) defines “Diversity”, as personal life experiences, geographic background, socioeconomic background, cultural knowledge, educational background, work background, language abilities, physical abilities, philosophical/spiritual perspectives, age, race, ethnicity, and gender. In 1968, she achieved and promoted diversity by becoming the first African American woman elected to the United
When we think of African American history we often forget about the people before the civil rights movement. The people who paved the way for future leaders. Martin Luther King Jr, Malcolm X, and Rosa parks are often who we think of. We forget about individuals that made a significant impact that led us to the present place we are today. Harriet Tubman's contribute to history was that she was the conductor of the Underground Railroad, which helped bring slaves to freedom. Harriet Tubman was an abolitionist and was part of the woman's suffrage move.
She showed them that they could be equal. The only difference was the color of the skin. She taught them that that wasn’t even a big difference. She fought segregation her entire life.
Michelle Obama is known to be a very successful woman. Before she became the First Lady of the United States, she was a lawyer and it took her hard work and dedication to get there. Michelle was enrolled at Whitney M. Young Magnet High School. Their program is an accelerated program for gifted students. Michelle became a member of the National Honor Society before graduating as class salutatorian in 1981. For college, Michelle attended Princeton University, graduating cum laude in 1985 with a B.A. in Sociology. Then she continued her college education at Harvard Law School, where she was part of rallies for the enrollment and hire more minority students and professors. She was awarded her J.D. in 1988. Once she finished college, she went back
After finding out about Emmett Till’s tragic death and the many others who were slaughtered and tortured she became a student activist and joined the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) organization to fight for their own
She has risen from a poor background and was ranked the richest African American of the 20th Century, the greatest black philanthropist in American history and was once the world’s only black billionaire. She is also known as the most influential woman in the world, both older generations and young.
Shirley Crisholm’s story takes place in the early 1900’s in America. She had to endure life constantly being categorized and labeled against her true qualities. The society of her time did not see women as they did men, nor was there acknowledgement to the adequacy of any person outside of being born White. During this time, the white male was held at the top of the food chain. White females reigning second, black males third, and black women at the very bottom of the barrel. From birth, she was only seen as a black female and would have to work harder than the average American man, and probably white woman, to be recognized for her merit. Being an African-American woman, Shirley’s chances of success and notoriety were slim to none. However, Shirley Crisholm did not believe in the systematic prejudice that was being thrown at the Black community or towards herself. Shirley knew she was more than just the labels placed beside her name. She wanted to make change in America and open the eyes and minds of everyone around her.