In 1972 Shirley Anita Chisholm, became the first African American woman to seek the presidential nomination, receiving 151 delegate votes at the Democratic National Convention. She attained the distinction of being the first African American woman to serve in Congress.
source cited: http://womenshistory.about.com
Her nomination speech, in part, expressed her support for all people:
“I stand before you today as a candidate for the Democratic nomination for the Presidency of the United States. I am not the candidate of black America, although I am black and proud. I am not the candidate of the women’s movement of this country, although I am a woman, and I am equally proud of that. I am not the candidate of any political bosses or special interests. I am the candidate of the people.”
The 1972 Democratic National Convention in Miami was the first major convention in which any woman was considered for the presidential nomination. Although she did not win the nomination, she received 151 of the delegates’ votes. She continued to serve in the House of Representatives until 1982. She retired from politics after her last term in office. She has received many honorary degrees, and her awards include Alumna of the Year, Brooklyn College; Key Woman of the Year; Outstanding Work in the Field of Child Welfare; and Woman of Achievement. Shirley Chisholm passed away on January 1, 2005.
source cited: http://www.essortment.com/all/shirleychisholm_ruol.htm
