Women’s History Month – The Legacy of Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm

The following is a statement by Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) commemorating Women’s History Month and paying tribute to the late Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm following the unveiling of a portrait of Chisholm that is now displayed in the Capitol. Congresswoman Lee hosted the event in her capacity as Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus.

Abolitionist and women’s rights activist Sojourner Truth once said, “If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these women together ought to be able to turn it back, and get it right side up again!”

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let us reflect on the generations of women who came before us and their many contributions that have brought us to this place in our history. Whether they were fighting for equal rights and equal pay in the workplace, marching for voting rights or working hard to provide for their families, we pause to pay tribute to the many ‘sheroes’ both known and unknown.

I am pleased to pay tribute to my personal heroine and mentor Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm. This year, we celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Rep. Chisholm being elected as the first African American Woman to the U.S. Congress. A trailblazer, Rep. Chisholm was also a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus and the first woman to vie for a major political party presidential nomination.

Portrait of Rep. Chisholm by Kadir Nelson

She had a profound impact on my life. Were it not for her encouragement, I would not have registered to vote and ultimately run for elected office. Along with many of my women colleagues, I stand on her enduring shoulders.

As we remember Rep. Chisholm and those great women of our past, we also celebrate the promise of those women yet unborn. That they may have even more opportunities than we have because of the sacrifices, blood, sweat and tears of the many women warriors who have and continue to fight for justice and equality and who are working to turn the world “right side up again.”

Women’s History Month is celebrated in the United States every year during the month of March.