Shirley Chisholm – In 1968 Shirley Chisholm became the first black woman to serve in the United States Congress. Chisholm was a model of independence and honesty and championed for several issues including civil rights, aid for the poor, and women’s rights. In 1972 she ran for President of the United States, making her the black person to do so. Although she did not win the Democratic nomination, she gained an impressive 10% of the votes.
