Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm
(1924–2005) The first African American woman elected to the U.S. Congress, Shirley was a passionate and effective advocate for the needs of minorities, women, and children and changed the nation's perception about the capabilities of women and African Americans.
Shirley spent seven terms in the NYS House of Representatives. As a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus in 1969, Shirley championed minority education and employment opportunities. In 1972, she became the first major-party black candidate (and the second woman) to make a bid for the U.S. presidency.
Shirley was one of the early members of the National Organization for Women (NOW) and active in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). She was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 1993. From Shirley Chisholm—Unbought and Unbossed.
Forest Lawn Cemetery
Birchwood Mausoleum
1411 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209
Erie County