Shirley Chisholm ’ s career and values followed her throughout her journey in Congress , all the way to her presidential campaign in 1972 . This groundbreaking moment in American political history allowed for a broader conversation to resurface . However , as the first Black woman to seek the Democratic Party ’ s nomination for president ,
( U . S . Library of Congress ) ( U . S . Library of Congress ) she faced immense obstacles from both racial and gender biases .
Her campaign slogan , “ Unbought and Unbossed ,” encapsulated her refusal to be controlled by traditional power structures . Chisholm entered 12 primaries , despite having minimal funding and being largely excluded from televised debates .
Her platform championed racial and gender equality , economic justice , and an end to the Vietnam War . Chisholm gained significant support from students , women , and minorities as she won 152 delegates , which demonstrated her ability to connect with a diverse electorate , even in the face of systemic discrimination .
Like Shirley Chisholm , Kamala Harris ’ background followed her to the race in 2020 , and consequently reflected in her work as Joe Biden ’ s vicepresidential running mate .
Despite the great difference in time , Harris faced immense scrutiny regarding her abilities to lead the country , but like Chisholm , she pushed back against stereotypes emphasizing the idea that her policies are greater than her race and identity .
Throughout her current campaign , Harris has addressed issues ranging from healthcare reform to criminal justice , highlighting the need for systemic change . She ’ s made it clear that she is not seeking support simply because of her race or gender , famously stating ,
“ I ’ m not asking anyone to vote for me because I ’ m Black .”
Harris ’ background as a former San Francisco prosecutor and California attorney general helped position her as a strong voice on law and order , but with a commitment to reform – particularly around gun control and economic inequality – a leadership that defies the stereotypes of women of color in politics .
The platforms of both Chisholm and Harris emphasized their belief that America was ready to allow people of diverse backgrounds to occupy spaces of power . Chisholm and Harris , both champions of uplifting marginalized communities , became trailblazers long before they launched their presidential campaigns .
While sharing a commitment to fighting economic inequality , advocating for racial and gender justice , and challenging the status quo within their own political parties , both women combated the belief that their race and gender should dictate the scope of their political ambitions .
And for this , history will remember Shirley Chisholm and Kamala Harris as political trailblazers who demonstrated that leadership transcends stereotypes , and their campaigns for this nation ’ s highest office served as powerful symbols of progress for women and people of color . n
Morelys Urbano is a poet , writer and multimedia journalism major at Morgan State University . She is an advocate and activist for immigration reform .
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