I watched the movie Shirley, a documentary about Shirley Chisholm’s foray into politics and her audacious run to be president of the United States in 1972. Chisholm was the first Black woman elected to the US Congress. At the time (1968), there were only 11 women in the chambers and 5 Black members. Think of the fortitude required for her to step up and attempt to run for any seat. I’m sure the pushback she endured was horrendous.
But Shirley’s endurance paved the way for others to see themselves as elected officials. Today, there are 126 women in the House, and 25 in the US Senate, comprising 28% of the total, with 57 identifying as non-White (37%).
It’s hard to imagine yourself in a position that no one like you has had before, but if you persist you may personally benefit in addition to breaking down barriers for others. Where are you brave enough to be a trailblazer?
