Since no one else had mentioned the death of this remarkable woman, I thought I would. She was the first African-American woman elected to Congress (in 1968), and one of the first women to run for the Presidency.

Her electrifying speech to announce her candidacy, in Brooklyn, is one that many Democrats could still take some pointers from.

Neither Democrats (the party leadership especially) nor Republicans were too fond of her at times, not least because her open opposition to the Vietnam War (she was right) and her push for equality on racial, gender and class lines (she was right), but she did build coalitions within and across her party (even visiting George Wallace in the hospital), and helped to found the Congressional Black Caucus, as well as NOW.

All in all, she was a lightning bolt that fortunately struck American politics when we needed her.

NPR.org: Shirley Chisholm, first Black Congresswoman, passes away at 80

Reuters/Yahoo: Chisholm, pioneer, dies at 80

[ January 03, 2005, 05:38 PM: Message edited by: fantomas ]

I saw that she had died today. What's sad is that there are few visionary politicians like Ms. Chisholm who have the intestinal fortitude to step outside of the partisan hackery that dominates the landscape and forge a different path. I hope Barack Obama develops into that kind of politician.

Rest in Peace

She was way before her time. A great woman and hopefully with her passing her numerous accomplishments will be noticed. A great woman and a great american