Black Heritage Stamp Series: Shirley Chisholm

Harriet Tubman, known for helping over 300 slaves escape slavery along the Underground Railroad, was the first inspiration released in the storied series of stamps. Now, four decades later, Shirley Chisholm joins the collection. On January 31, 2014, the Postal Service released the 37^th edition in the Black Heritage Series, honoring the life and achievements of the great Shirley Chisholm (November 30, 1924 – January 1, 2005).

Chisholm, born in Brooklyn, N.Y., was a dedicated politician and educator who fought her entire life to better education and other social conditions in cities all across the country. During a time in which the social constructs were not particularly encouraging for a young black female, Chisholm didn’t allow herself to be limited. She used education as a propelling force to evoke change.

As a student at Brooklyn College, the sharp witted Chisholm discovered her passion for debate, which sparked her eventual career in politics. She graduated with honors from Brooklyn College in 1946 then went on to receive her Master’s degree in early childhood education from Columbia University in 1951.

While today’s world is more supportive, 50 years ago the country did not embrace the idea of a black female in power. But the courage and determined character of Chisholm could not be contained. In her pursuit of equality she altered tradition. Though there were obvious societal limitations, Chisholm challenged the status quo to achieve unprecedented success.

Chisholm accomplished a groundbreaking political career that captivated and inspired a nation. She was elected to the State Assembly in 1964, a phenomenal feat for a minority at the time, then decided to run for a seat in the United States Congress in 1968. Behind a strong campaign slogan, “Unbought and Unbossed”, which was also the title of her 1970 autobiography, Chisholm won the seat to become the first African American woman in Congress.

Chisholm did not stop there.

It was during her 2nd year in the House in which she achieved another monumental “first”. In 1972 Chisholm became the first black woman to run for President. Her campaign, referred to as the “Chisholm Trail”, had some devoted followers especially amongst students, women and minorities. Although she was unable to win the Democratic nomination, she received presidential votes from people in 14 different states and tallied 151 of the delegates’ votes.

During her push to gain the party’s nomination, Chisholm survived several assassination attempts. Despite the opposition, she did not fold in the face of fear. Even though Chisholm was unsuccessful in her bid for presidency, her sheer will to stand up against adversity made her a hero.

For Chisholm even to be considered a presidential candidate was an achievement of parity for the land that prides itself on equality. She undoubtedly pushed the political structure to welcome all, regardless of color or gender.

From Tubman to Chisholm, the entire Black Heritage Series does a necessary job of retelling history. Each stamp has its own significance, not just to African Americans but to people all across the world. These people annually forecasted on the stamp have shaped America into a nation that affords us all great privilege.