The Late Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom

NEW YORK - Nov. 23, 2015 - PRLog -- On Tuesday, November 24^th, President Barack Obama will award Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm posthumously with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.  In attendance will be William (Bill) Howard, one of Chisholm's dearest friends and was treasurer with Trevor Spence for her presidential campaign.

Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm

Born in Brooklyn, Shirley Chisholm is best known for becoming the first black congresswoman (1968), representing New York State in the U.S. House of Representatives for seven terms. She went on to run for the 1972 Democratic nomination for the presidency—becoming the first major-party African-American candidate to do so. Throughout her political career, Chisholm fought for education opportunities and social justice. Chisholm left Congress in 1983 to teach.  Her death was announced by William Howard in 2005.

“Shirley Chisholm wanted to be known as someone with guts”. – William (Bill) Howard

Although Shirley Chisholm made history in 1968 by becoming the first black woman elected to Congress, serving seven terms as a dominant political figure on Capitol Hill, Howard fears her legacy is disappearing.  Her loyal fans say few seem to remember that she was one of the annual attendees and lifetime supporter of the West Indian American Day Parade.

Congresswoman Chisholm was honored with a postage stamp last year and Howard keeps her memory alive with the Shirley Chisholm Cultural Institute for Children, which provides scholarships.

Chisholm's niece will accept the Presidential Medal of Freedom and William Howard and other New Yorkers will be on hand to pay tribute to the Brooklyn icon.

For further information contact: shirleychisholmtribute@gmail.com.