On behalf of The Shirley Chisholm Project we'd like to congratulate Hillary Clinton on her nomination. Mrs. Clinton becomes the first female nominee for the presidency of the United States of America. Mrs. Clinton has finally broken the glass ceiling that we once thought was unshatterable, we must remember the countless others who strived to bring women into the forefront of politics.
We must not forget one Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm who in 1972 led her own presidential campaign. Ms. Chisholm became the first woman and African American to seek the nomination of the Democratic Party for the president of The United States of America. Ms. Chisholm broke barriers on her long fought journey, she served for four years in the New York Assembly; was a co-founder of the National Women's Political Caucus and most importantly gave women a voice in politics. When Ms. Chisholm referenced back to her years in politics she recalled “I had met far more discrimination because I am a woman than because I am black.”
Mrs. Clinton has battled her own long fight to be taken seriously. Finally in the year 2016 we can say we did it! A woman can hold the highest position in the nation, a woman can do anything she sets her mind to, a woman shouldn't be based solely on her gender but on her demeanor. The day has finally come and we rejoice on Mrs. Clinton's nomination, it was a long time coming! Shirley Chisholm is smiling from above because she helped pave the way.