On Monday, U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) attended the signing of the Shirley Chisholm Congressional Gold Medal Act at the U.S. Capitol. This bipartisan legislation posthumously awards the Congressional Gold Medal to Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress, in recognition of her groundbreaking contributions to politics, activism and civil rights.

 Shirley Chisholm
 

Vice President Kamala Harris signed the bill into law, honoring Chisholm’s historic achievements, including her 1968 election as the first African American woman in Congress and her 1972 presidential bid, which made her the first Black woman to seek a major political party’s nomination for president. In a statement, Lee expressed her honor in standing next to Harris during the signing.

“It is critical for the next generation of leaders to see the first Black woman elected to Congress get the recognition she deserves,” she said.

The legislation recognizes Chisholm’s advocacy for racial and gender equity, her role in championing the rights of women and minorities and her lasting impact on the political landscape. The bill highlights how Chisholm’s election to Congress and presidential candidacy raised the aspirations of African Americans and women in politics. Her legacy continues to inspire future generations of leaders.

During her seven terms in Congress, Chisholm introduced 50 pieces of legislation, including key advocacy for civil rights, women’s rights, and opposition to the Vietnam War. She co-founded the National Organization for Women and was a vocal advocate for low-income communities. Chisholm died Jan. 1, 2005, but her legacy lives on.

The Shirley Chisholm Congressional Gold Medal Act is co-sponsored by Sens. Laphonza Butler (D-CA) and Raphael Warnock (D-GA) in the Senate, and Representatives Lee, Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Maxine Waters (D-CA), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), and Byron Donalds (R-FL) in the House. 

The gold medal will be presented posthumously, and after the presentation, it will be displayed at the Smithsonian Institution for research and public viewing.