U.S. Rep. Edolphus “Ed” Towns (NY-10) issued the following statement today in honor of Honorable Shirley Chisholm’s 85th birthday:
“Today, we celebrate the life of Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman elected to Congress, who also became one of New York’s most revered public servants. In honor of Congresswoman Chisholm’s 85th birthday, I recently introduced H. Res. 926 to recognize her groundbreaking accomplishments, rare strength of character and belief in the potential of a new America. Congresswoman Chisholm’s ‘Unbought and Unbossed’ political style allowed her to break through many back doors and glass ceilings, blazing a pathway for generations of women and people of color.
“Born and raised in Brooklyn, Congresswoman Chisholm came to Washington where she served seven consecutive terms representing Brooklyn. She was a champion for increasing federal support for education, health care for seniors and children, and other social services for all Americans.
“In 1976, Congresswoman Chisholm was one of the original founders of the Congressional Black Caucus. The CBC now proudly represents more than 40 members of congress and aims to help improve the socioeconomic circumstances of African Americans and other under-served communities.
“As one of her closest friends and former colleagues, I am honored to serve areas of Brooklyn that were once part of Congresswoman Chisholm’s district. Let us remember Congresswoman Chisholm today in all her greatness, not just because she was the first African American woman in Congress, but because she was daring to be herself, while making history.”
