Shirley Chisholm"s 1972 Presidential Run Paved Way for Kamala Harris

Kamala Harris made history by becoming the first woman of color to accept the Democratic Party nomination for president, following in the footsteps of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman member of Congress. Chisholm's 1972 presidential campaign was marked by her outsider status and a focus on issues like gender and racial equity, abortion rights, and poverty alleviation. Despite facing significant opposition and disdain from her male colleagues, her campaign galvanized young, multiracial voters and highlighted the entrenched racism and sexism in American politics. Chisholm's slogan, 'Unbought and Unbossed,' resonated with many, as she sought to engage alienated youth in the political process during a time of significant social upheaval. Her candidacy, although not politically practical, was a catalyst for change, paving the way for future candidates like Harris. The parallels between Chisholm's experiences and the current political climate are striking, especially in light of recent Supreme Court decisions affecting women's rights. The 1972 election saw Chisholm's campaign overshadowed by the National Women’s Political Caucus, which endorsed George McGovern instead, believing he had a better chance of winning. However, Chisholm's presence at the convention was a significant moment for representation, as she felt vindicated in her belief that a Black or female candidate should run for the presidency. Today, Harris stands on the shoulders of Chisholm's legacy, with the support of her party and a more favorable political environment, reflecting the progress made since Chisholm's groundbreaking campaign.