Shirley Chisholm: Unbought and Unbossed

Shirley Chisholm was a trailblazer who changed American politics forever. Born in New York, Shirley's parents were immigrants from the Caribbean—her mother was from Barbados, and her father was from Guyana. Shirley spent a large part of her childhood in Barbados living with her grandmother, where she received a strict, excellent British-style education. She credited her Caribbean upbringing for giving her discipline and a strong voice. Shirley made history by becoming the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress. Later, she became the first Black candidate for a major party's nomination for President of the United States! Her famous slogan was 'Unbought and Unbossed.' African and Caribbean youth can learn from Shirley that you should never wait for someone to give you a seat at the table. If they don't give you a seat, bring a folding chair! Your heritage gives you the strength to break glass ceilings.