Events
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

Chisholm Day 2020: The Future of Black Women’s Political Leadership
Keynote Speaker: Maya Wiley, Esq.

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

Chisholm Day 2016
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Sherie Randolph

Chisholm Day 2015
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Robin D.G. Kelley

Chisholm Day 2014
Keynote Speaker: Rev. Al Sharpton

Chisholm Day 2013
Keynote Speaker: Karen Lewis

Chisholm Day 2012
Keynote Speaker: Loretta Ross

Chisholm Day 2011
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Anita Hill

Chisholm Day 2010
Keynote Speaker: Donna Brazile

Chisholm Day 2008
Keynote Speaker: Gloria Steinem
