The late trailblazing politician Shirley Chisholm has been awarded Congress' highest honor.
On Thursday (December 12), President Joe Biden signed the Shirley Chisholm Congressional Gold Medal Act, posthumously honoring Chisholm, who was the nation's first Black congresswoman, for her service and achievements, per NBC News.
Born in 1924, Chisholm began her political career in the New York State Assembly, becoming its second Black legislator in 1964. Chisholm faced criticism and threats after deciding to run for Congress. Still, the politician, known as "Fighting Shirley," ran on the slogan "Unbought and Unbossed," and won a seat in 1968.
Chisholm, who co-founded the Congressional Black Caucus, introduced roughly 50 pieces of legislation over seven terms, advocating for civil rights and gender equality. She went on to embark on a historic campaign for president in 1972. The Democrat was the first Black candidate and Black woman to seek a nomination from a major political party.
Chisholm retired in 1983 but was later tapped by President Bill Clinton to serve as his administration’s ambassador to Jamaica. However, health challenges reportedly prevented her appointment. Chisholm died in 2005 at the age of 80.
This year, which commemorates Chisholm's 100th birthday, bipartisan support backed legislation to award the trailblazer with a gold medal.
The medal will be designed and minted with Chisholm’s image, name, and emblems. It will be given to the Smithsonian Institution and made available to display at events and locations associated with Chisholm.
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