The Shirley Chisholm Project hosts a number of educational events that focus on the issues, policies, and ideas that Congresswoman Chisholm championed during her lifetime. Most notably, the SCP hosts an annual Shirley Chisholm Day celebration at the Congresswoman’s alma mater Brooklyn College. As the Congresswoman was born on November 30th, 2024, Chisholm Day is traditionally held in late November or early December. Chisholm Day customarily includes an address by our keynote speaker (or a dialogue between the keynote guest and the SCP director), as well as student presentations.

Upcoming:

2024: The Shirley Chisholm Centennial Celebration

In Fall 2024, the SCP will host a two-day celebration commemorating the Congresswoman’s 100th birthday.

Past Events

Below are a list of Chisholm Day celebrations and other events hosted by the SCP

The Shirley Chisholm Conversation Series (2023)

Sponsored by the Mellon Foundation through CUNY’s Black, Race, and Ethnic Studies Initiative (BRESI), the SCP organized a series of public conversations around racial and social justice.

I: The Battlefront is the Classroom

Panelists: Dr. LaTasha Levy, Shauna Brown, and Dr. Russell Rickford

II: White Supremacy: America’s Founding Principle

Keynote Educator: Tongo Elsin-Martin

III: Uplifting Black Girlhood in Times of Political Struggle.

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Janaka Bowman-Lewis
Dr. Janaka Bowman Lewis

Chisholm Day 2020: The Future of Black Women’s Political Leadership

Keynote Speaker: Maya Wiley, Esq.

Maya Wiley, Esq. was a candidate in New York City’s 2021 mayoral election

Chisholm Day 2018: The 50th Anniversary of Chisholm’s Election to Congress

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Sonia Sanchez

Dr. Sonia Sanchez

In 2018, the SCP hosted a day-long conference to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Chisholm’s election to Congress. They keynote guest that year was renowned poet-activist Dr. Sonia Sanchez. The day’s event also included a Roundtable on the State of Black Women’s Politics.

Roundtable on the Future of Black Women’s Politics

From left: Dr. Zinga A. Fraser, Dr. Niambi Carter, and Dr. Christina Greer

Chisholm Day 2016

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Sherie Randolph

Dr. Sherie Randolph, author of the definitive biography of Florynce Kennedy

Chisholm Day 2015

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Robin D.G. Kelley

Robin D.G. Kelley, keynote speaker for Chisholm Day 2014

Chisholm Day 2014

Keynote Speaker: Rev. Al Sharpton

Our 2014 speaker Rev. Al Sharpton served as a youth coordinator in Shirley Chisholm’s 1972 presidential campaign.

Chisholm Day 2013

Keynote Speaker: Karen Lewis

Keynote speaker Karen Lewis of the Chicago Teachers Union

Chisholm Day 2012

Keynote Speaker: Loretta Ross

Reproductive rights activist Loretta Ross was the keynote speaker for Chisholm Day 2012

Chisholm Day 2011

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Anita Hill

Professor Anita Hill

Chisholm Day 2010

Keynote Speaker: Donna Brazile

Donna Brazile was the first Black woman to manage a major presidential campaign. She was mentored by Shirley Chisholm

Chisholm Day 2008

Keynote Speaker: Gloria Steinem

Our 2008 keynote speaker Gloria Steinem, along with Chisholm, was a founding member of the National Women’s Political Caucus