Shirley Chisholm took centre stage this week at an event in New York hosted by Barbados’ Mission to the United Nations and organised in collaboration with the Consulate-General of Barbados and the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.
An exhibition at the Museum of the City of New York welcomed ambassadors, diplomats, and distinguished guests from across the United Nations, Consular and Caribbean community to reflect on Chisholm’s contributions to democracy, equality, and the empowerment of marginalised communities.
In his remarks, François Jackman, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Barbados to the United Nations, highlighted Mrs. Chisholm’s historic firsts, including her election as the first African American woman in Congress in 1968 and her bold run for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination in 1972. Ambassador Jackman noted that:
“We must remember Shirley Chisholm’s impact and reaffirm the values she stood for and recognising the role that Caribbean heritage has played in shaping global leadership”
Guests were invited to explore the exhibit, which showcases Chisholm’s pioneering career, her fight for racial and gender equality, and the lasting influence of her legacy under the theme Unbought and Unbossed (the title of one of her books).
The exhibit remains open to the public at the Museum of the City of New York until July, providing an opportunity for visitors to delve deeper into the extraordinary life of Shirley Chisholm. (PR/GIS)
