On January 3, 1969, Shirley Chisholm was sworn as the nation’s first Black Congresswoman. Two years later, she became one of the 13 founding members of the Congressional Black Caucus.
And on the same day 50 years later, the Congressional Black Caucus swore in the largest class since its history.
A child of immigrant parents, Chisholm’s life and accomplishments, even in death, continue to blaze trails for women and people of color.
Here are our some of our top Shirley Chisholm quotes that encourage and inspire us to always be prepared to serve with vision, determination and a folding chair.
1. “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.”
2. “You don’t make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas.”
3. “Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth.”
4. “We must reject not only the stereotypes that others hold of us, but also the stereotypes that we hold of ourselves.”
5. “I’m looking to no man walking this earth for approval of what I’m doing.”
Thank you, Congresswoman Chisholm for being unbought and unbossed!