Political Quotes

“I thank my CBC colleagues and anchors for tonight's Special Order hour. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, as many of my colleagues have done, to celebrate the 100th birthday of a titan of American democracy, Shirley Anita Chisholm. Born 100 years ago, as we have heard, Shirley Chisholm shattered barriers as the first Black woman elected to Congress and the first Black woman to serve on the House Rules Committee. She was fearless, fighting for equity, early childhood education, labor protections, domestic workers, and programs like SNAP and WIC, Mr. Speaker, that we are still fighting for today. During this very Congress, we are debating something that she has left us a legacy with. Maybe we should go back in time and revisit what she did for our farm bill. Her advocacy also inspired Title IX, the Equal Rights Amendment, and generations of women to lead in boardrooms, classrooms, and right here in these Chambers. She did not stop there. In 1972, she stood before America and declared her candidacy for President, not for the glory of winning, but to make room at the table for those silenced too long. Mr. Speaker, it thrives in every Black person who refuses to wait their turn and every leader who prioritizes people over politics. I can tell you as chair emerita of the Congressional Black Caucus, the body that she cofounded with 12 other Black men, I stand on her shoulders. The Congressional Black Caucus stands on her shoulders.…”