Trailblazing politician Shirley Chisholm is awarded Congress’ highest honor

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December 16, 2024

By Donna M. Owens, NBC

Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm after she announced her candidacy for United States president, in Washington, D.C., in 1972. (Thomas J. O’Halloran / Library of Congress)

Bipartisan legislation to honor the late Shirley Chisholm, the nation’s first Black congresswoman, became law last week, as the 118th Congress winds down with a final flurry of bills.

President Joe Biden signed the Shirley Chisholm Congressional Gold Medal Act on Thursday, posthumously honoring Chisholm, who died in 2005, with Congress’s highest award for her distinguished service and achievements.

Days prior, Vice President Kamala Harris signed the measure in her role as president of the U.S. Senate, flanked by the bill’s two lead sponsors, Sen. Laphonza Butler, D-Calif., and Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif.

“It was an honor to stand next to Vice President Kamala Harris as she signed this historic bill,” Lee said in a statement. Chisholm became a mentor to Lee as a college student and as Lee built her own career in public service.

“I see no one more deserving than Shirley Chisholm,” Lee added. “It is critical for the next generation of leaders to see the first Black woman elected to Congress get the recognition that she deserves.”

Keep reading to learn others’ responses.

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