Happy Birthday to a feminist shero

Today would be the 85th birthday of the late Shirley Chisholm, a true role model and heroine for countless women. The first African-American woman elected to Congress (she represented New York's 12th district from 1969-1983), Chisholm entered the Democratic presidential primary race in 1972. Chisholm was the first African-American to seek a major party nomination, and the first woman to pursue a place on the Democratic ticket.

Chisholm championed the rights of women, minorities, and the poor, and inspired countless future leaders. Her historic campaign was chronicled in the excellent documentary Chisholm '72: Unbought and Unbossed, which you all should check out.

Happy birthday Shirley Chisholm!