Authors

Shirley Chisholm

Shirley Chisholm (1924–2005) was an American politician, educator, and author who became the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress, representing New York from 1969 to 1983. In 1972 she launched a historic Democratic presidential campaign as the first Black woman to seek a major party nomination, and she championed inclusion and equal opportunity.

Quotes: 3

Quotes by Shirley Chisholm

Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth. — Shirley Chisholm

Paying Our Rent Through Service and Stewardship

At the outset, Shirley Chisholm’s metaphor reframes life as a lease, not an entitlement: service is the recurring payment that keeps our collective dwelling livable. By invoking “rent,” she links personal privilege to pu...

Created on: 11/4/2025

If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair. — Shirley Chisholm

Folding Chairs and the Architecture of Inclusion

Shirley Chisholm’s line converts a scene of exclusion into a blueprint for action. The “table” represents where decisions are made; the “seat,” the power to shape them.

Created on: 8/24/2025

You don’t make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering and complaining. — Shirley Chisholm

Progress Requires Action, Not Complaints – Shirley Chisholm

This quote encourages individuals to get involved and take initiative instead of remaining passive.

Created on: 4/29/2025