Jon L. Christensen: “it gives me great pride and honor to rise today in support of H. Res. 97, a resolution to recognize the invaluable…”

“it gives me great pride and honor to rise today in support of H. Res. 97, a resolution to recognize the invaluable contributions and the monumental achievements of Ms. Shirley Anita Chisholm. I would like to commend my colleague, Representative Barbara Lee, for taking the leadership in this effort. As the first African American woman to be elected to Congress in 1968, Ms. Chisholm blazed the trail that opened many doors for women of color, particularly in the political arena. It is because of Ms. Chisholm that I, along with the other fourteen African-American Congresswomen, have sought elected office and dedicate our lives to public service. Ms. Chisholm gave women the courage, fortitude and inspiration to say, 'Women can do it too.' She fought throughout her life for fundamental rights for women, children, seniors, African Americans, Hispanics, and other minority groups. First and foremost, Ms. Chisholm was an educator. She worked to improve our society as a nursery school teacher, director of a childcare facility, consultant for the New York Department of Social Services, and educator.”