In 1968, who was the first African American woman to be elected to the US Congress? In 1968, who was the first African American woman to be elected to the US Congress? 0 votes posted Feb 29, 2016 by Pardeep Kohli Share this question Your comment on this question: Email me at this address if a comment is added after mine:Email me if a comment is added after mine Privacy: Your email address will only be used for sending these notifications. Anti-spam verification: To avoid this verification in future, please log in or register . 1 Answer 0 votes Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm (November 30, 1924 – January 1, 2005) was an American politician, educator, and author. In 1968, she became the first African American woman elected to the United States Congress, and represented New York's 12th Congressional District for seven terms from 1969 to 1983.

answer Feb 29, 2016 by A.k Your comment on this answer: Email me at this address if a comment is added after mine:Email me if a comment is added after mine Privacy: Your email address will only be used for sending these notifications. Anti-spam verification: To avoid this verification in future, please log in or register . Your answer Thanks for contributing at QueryHome GK Please be sure to answer the question, share your working and research. If you are not sure about answer, use commenting option instead. Use ctrl+k to highlight, ctrl+b to make the text as bold. Preview Email me at this address if my answer is selected or commented on:Email me if my answer is selected or commented on Privacy: Your email address will only be used for sending these notifications. Anti-spam verification: Shirley Chisholm, First Black Woman Elected to Congress Updated July 29, 2016. Shirley Chisholm Facts Known for: Shirley Chisholm was elected to the U.S. Congress in 1968. She ran against civil rights activist James Farmer. She quickly became known for her work on minority, women's, and peace issues.

She represented 12th Congressional District, New York, 1969 - 1983 (7 terms). In 1972, Shirley Chisholm made a symbolic bid for the Democratic presidential nomination with the slogan, "Unbought and Unbossed." She was the first African American whose name was placed in nomination at the convention of either major party for the office of president. She was the first woman to run a campaign for the nomination of either major party for the office of president. Occupation: politician, teacher, activist Dates: November 30 , 1924 - January 1, 2005 Also known as: Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm Shirley Chisholm Biography Shirley Chisholm was born in New York but spent seven of her early years growing up in Barbados with her grandmother. continue reading below our video 4 Tips for Improving Test Performance She returned to New York and her parents in time to study at Brooklyn College. She met Eleanor Roosevelt when she was 14, and took to heart Mrs.

Roosevelt's advice: "don't let anybody stand in your way." Chisholm worked as a nursery school teacher and director of a nursery school and child care center after graduation from college, then worked for the city as an educational consultant. She also became involved in grassroots community organizing and the Democratic party . She helped to form the Unity Democratic Club, in 1960. Her community base helped make possible a win when she ran for the New York State Assembly in 1964. In 1968, Shirley Chisholm ran for Congress from Brooklyn, winning that seat while running against James Farmer, a veteran of the 1960s Freedom Rides in the south. She thus became the first black woman elected to Congress. She hired only women for her staff. She was known for taking positions against the Vietnam war . for minority and women's issues, and for challenging the Congressional seniority system. In 1971, Chisholm was a founding member of the National Women's Political Caucus.

When Chisholm ran for the Democratic nomination for president in 1972, she knew that she could not win the nomination, but she nevertheless wanted to raise issues she felt were important. She was the first black person and the first black woman to run for president on a major party ticket, and the first woman to win delegates for a presidential nomination by a major party. Chisholm served in Congress for seven terms, until 1982. In 1984, she helped form the National Political Congress of Black Women (NPCBW). She taught, as the Purington Professor at Mount Holyoke College , and spoke widely. She moved to Florida in 1991. She briefly served as ambassador to Jamaica during the Clinton administration. Shirley Chisholm died in Florida in 2005 after a series of strokes.

In 2004, she said about herself, "I want history to remember me not just as the first black woman to be elected to Congress, not as the first black woman to have made a bid for the presidency of the United States, but as a black woman who lived in the 20th century and dared to be herself." Autobiographies: Unbought and Unbossed (1970) The Good Fight (1973) Organizations/Religion: League of Women Voters, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Americans for Democratic Action (ADA), National Womens Political Caucus, Delta Sigma Theta; Methodist Background, Family: Father: Charles St. Hill (factory worker, Marcus Garvey follower) Mother: Ruby Seale St. Hill (seamstress, domestic worker) parents were West Indian immigrants Shirley Chisholm was the oldest of her parents' four children Education: Brooklyn College (1946, cum laude) Columbia University (M.A., elementary education, 1952) Marriage, Children: Conrad Chisholm (investigator; married 1949, divorced 1977) Arthur Hardwick, jr.

(businessman; married 1977, died 1986) Shirley Chisholm had no children More women's history biographies, by name: Women of Color in Congress | US House of Representatives: History, Art & Archives Women of Color in Congress Women of Color in Congress Last Updated January 3, 2017 Since Hawaii Representative Patsy Mink’s election in 1964, more than 60 women of color have served in the U.S. Congress. All of these women served in the U.S. House, with the exception of Carol Moseley Braun of Illinois, who served only in the U.S. Senate (1993–1999). With her election to the U.S. Senate in 2012, Mazie K. Hirono of Hawaii became the first woman of color to serve in both chambers. The first Asian-Pacific-American woman elected to Congress, Patsy Mink of Hawaii, won election to the House in 1964. The first African-American woman elected to Congress, Shirley Chisholm of New York, won election to the House in 1968.

The first Hispanic-American woman elected to Congress, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Florida, won election to the House in 1989. Name This Day In History: Shirley Chisholm Becomes The First Black Congresswoman | The Huffington Post This Day In History: Shirley Chisholm Becomes The First Black Congresswoman 11/05/2013 10:14 am ET | Updated Dec 05, 2014 2k Getty On this day in history, Shirley Chisholm became the first black woman elected to Congress. On November 5th 1968, she was elected to represent New York's 12th District and went on to maintain that seat for seven terms until 1983. Born in New York the daughter of West Indian parents, Chisholm is known for using her political career to fight for social justice and education. In 1969, Chisholm became one of the founding members of the Congressional Black Caucus. She then went on to become the first African American to make a bid to become President of the United States -- running for a Democratic nomination in 1972.

Chisholm died in 2005, however in 2004 she said about her legacy, "I want history to remember me not just as the first black woman to be elected to Congress, not as the first black woman to have made a bid for the presidency of the United States, but as a black woman who lived in the 20th century and dared to be herself." 1st black female member of Congress, Shirley Chisholm, holding up two fingers in victory sign while standing behind large American flag following her successful run for office. Related on HuffPost: The First African-American Woman Elected to Congress | US House of Representatives: History, Art & Archives The First African-American Woman Elected to Congress January 03, 1969 Collection of the U.S. House of Representatives About this object Chisholm won election to the 91st Congress (1969–1971) running under the slogan “unbought and unbossed,” to become the first African-American woman in Congress.

On this date at the opening of the 91st Congress (1969–1971), Shirley Anita Chisholm of New York became the first African-American Congresswoman. Trained as a school teacher, Chisholm served two terms in the New York state legislature before winning election in November 1968 to a newly created congressional district in Brooklyn. The only woman among the freshman class of the 91st Congress, Chisholm took the House by storm. “I have no intention of just sitting quietly and observing,” she said. “I intend to focus attention on the nation’s problems.” Chisholm continued to work for the causes she had espoused as a community activist. She sponsored increases in federal funding to extend the hours of daycare facilities and a guaranteed minimum annual income for families. She was a fierce defender of federal assistance for education, serving as a primary backer of a national school lunch bill and leading her colleagues in overriding President Gerald R. Ford ’s veto on this measure. In 1972, she mounted a longshot presidential bid that nevertheless received national attention.

In 1982, after seven terms in the House, Chisholm declined to run for re-election to the 98th Congress (1983–1985). She stated that she had become disillusioned with the conservative politics of the Ronald Reagan administration and factionalism in Congress. After leaving office, Chisholm taught and remained active in political organizations, but never again sought elective office. Related Highlight Subjects African-American Women in Congress : NPR African-American Women in Congress January 10, 200512:00 AM ET Ken Rudin Shirley Chisholm was the first. hide caption toggle caption The senior Daley served as mayor of Chicago longer than anyone else. hide caption toggle caption Lester Maddox was elected governor by the Georgia state legislature, not the voters. hide caption toggle caption Q: Shirley Chisholm, who died last week, was the first African-American woman elected to Congress. How many have there been since? — Marcia Ross, Baltimore, Md.

A: There have been 22: Twenty-one in the House, and one in the Senate (Carol Moseley Braun of Illinois, who won her seat in 1992 and served one term). Below is a chronological list of every black woman elected to the House, with the year of her election, how she got to Washington and, when applicable, why she left. The list does not include non-voting delegates elected to the House. 1968: Shirley Chisholm (D-NY). Won in newly created district. Retired in 1982. 1972: Yvonne Brathwaite Burke (D-CA). Won in newly created district. Gave up seat in 1978 in an unsuccessful bid for state attorney general. Barbara Jordan (D-TX). Won in newly created district. Retired in 1978. 1973: Cardiss Collins (D-IL). Won special election to succeed her late husband, Rep. George Collins (D). Retired in 1996. 1982: Katie Hall (D-IN). Won special election following death of Rep. Adam Benjamin (D).

Lost bid for renomination in the 1984 Democratic primary to Peter Visclosky, who won the seat and who still serves. 1990: Barbara-Rose Collins (D-MI). Won open seat being vacated by Rep. George Crockett. Lost bid for renomination in the 1996 Democratic primary to Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, also an African American, who won the seat and who still serves. Article continues after sponsorship Maxine Waters (D-CA). Won open seat vacated by Rep. Gus Hawkins (D). Still serves. 1992: Corrine Brown (D-FL). Won in newly created district. Still serves. Eva Clayton (D-NC). Won special election following the death of Rep. Walter Jones (D) in redrawn district. Retired in 2002. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX). Won in newly created district. Still serves. Cynthia McKinney (D-GA). Won in newly created district. Lost bid for renomination in the 2002 Democratic primary to Denise Majette, another African American, who won the seat.

When Majette ran for the Senate in 2004, McKinney won back her old seat. Carrie Meek (D-FL). Won in newly created district. Retired in 2002. 1994: Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX). Unseated Rep. Craig Washington (D), another African American, in Democratic primary. Still serves. 1996: Juanita Millender-McDonald (D-CA). Won special election in March 1996 following resignation of Rep. Walter Tucker (D). Still serves. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (D-MI). Unseated Rep. Barbara-Rose Collins (D), another African American, in Democratic primary. Still serves. Julia Carson (D-IN). Won open seat vacated by Rep. Andy Jacobs (D). Still serves. 1998: Barbara Lee (D-CA). Won special election in April 1998 following resignation of Rep. Ron Dellums (D). Still serves. Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D-OH). Won open seat vacated by Rep. Louis Stokes (D). Still serves. 2001: Diane Watson (D-CA).

Won special election in June 2001 following death of Rep. Julian Dixon (D). Still serves. 2002: Denise Majette (D-GA). Unseated Rep. Cynthia McKinney (D), another African American, in Democratic primary. Vacated seat in 2004 to run for the Senate. 2004: Gwen Moore (D-WI). Won open seat vacated by Rep. Gerald Kleczka (D). Q: In your Nov. 19 column, you listed some Republicans you thought may run for president in 2008. What about the Democrats? — David Rizzo, Danville, Ill. A: Some of the names are obvious. John Edwards, the now-former senator from North Carolina, has had the bug from the moment he was first elected to public office in 1998 (and probably before). I'm not sure if he had an impact as John Kerry's running mate last year, but I'm certain he's looking at another run in '08. Some say you shouldn't rule out Kerry either, though I can't imagine there would be any groundswell for another attempt.

Other wannabes from 2004, such as Howard Dean and Wesley Clark, are on the list as well. Dean seems on the cusp of announcing a bid for chairman of the Democratic National Committee, but there are those who argue he would be more attractive a candidate if he stayed out of the fray. (For the record, the last DNC chair to eye a presidential candidacy was Sen. Fred Harris of Oklahoma, who headed the party in 1969-70.) Joe Biden, the Delaware senator who made an abortive bid for the nomination in 1987, seems ready to run again. Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh's name invariably appears on lists of possible candidates. And there is also the question about what Hillary Clinton wants to do, which I don't think anyone knows with any certainty. I don't buy the argument that she can't win, but truth be told, most of the people who have said to me they would love for her to run are Republicans. The conventional wisdom this time says the party must look outside of Washington for its next nominee, and thus the Dem crop of governors may be the best pool of talent.

Certainly on that list is Virginia's Mark Warner, who is wealthy, ambitious and soon to be out of a job. If he opts out of a Senate run against Republican incumbent George Allen in 2006, I'd say Warner is looking at a WH bid. Other governors should include Tennessee's Phil Bredesen and Tom Vilsack in Iowa. Vilsack was thought to be on Kerry's short list for VP the last go-around, and he clearly liked the attention. Both Bredesen and Vilsack are up for re-election next year. Q: As George W. Bush is sworn in for a second term on Jan. 20, in which states will one party have a complete monopoly over these levers of power: U.S. Senate seats, governors, state attorneys general and state legislative chambers? — Nicholas Ohh, London, England, United Kingdom A: Republicans will control all these posts in six states: Alaska, Idaho, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas and Utah. Democrats will do likewise in just three states: Illinois, New Jersey and West Virginia. In New Jersey, however, the position of attorney general is appointed, not elected.

Q: Which Richard Daley served as mayor of Chicago longer, the father or the son? — Tom Adams, Fort Mill, S.C. A: Richard J. Daley, the father. First elected in 1955, he served from April 20 of that year until his death on Dec. 20, 1976 — a period of 21 years, longer than anyone else in Chicago history. Richard M. Daley, the son, was first elected in 1989 and still serves. He would break the record if still in office at the end of 2010. Leavitt or Leave It: My Dec. 8 column that listed the governors who left their states to find employment courtesy of the Bush administration somehow omitted Utah's Michael Leavitt; he replaced Christie Whitman at EPA and is now slated to take over Health and Human Services. Thanks to Randall Bohn of Orem, Utah, Brooke Harper of Chicago, Ill., and Marci Bishop for the catch. In the same column, I also wrote that before 2001, the last governor on this list was South Dakota Democrat Richard Kneip in 1978.

Sally Smith of Ashburn, Va., reminds me that Bill Weld left Massachusetts in August of 1997 to accept President Clinton's offer to become ambassador to Mexico — a job that ultimately vanished, as Weld's nomination was blocked in the Senate by then-Foreign Relations chair Jesse Helms. And Weld's successor, Paul Cellucci, also gave up his governorship to become Bush's ambassador to Canada in April of 2001. Finally, there was a big response to my last column, which celebrated those in politics who passed away in 2004. In the week or so between that column and the end of year, two others died who deserve mention here. One was John Deardourff, the longtime Republican consultant who was instrumental in helping President Ford become competitive in his close-but-no-cigar race against Jimmy Carter in 1976. Professionally, I found Deardourff to be a really good guy, always available for a question or a quote, more often than not willing to appear in an NPR piece I was working on. He died on Dec. 24 at the age of 61. The other was Jane Muskie.

She never ran for office, but she played a key role in the campaigns of her husband, Ed Muskie, who served as Maine's governor and then senator, and who also was the Democratic nominee for vice president in 1968 and a contender for the 1972 presidential nomination. It was in that latter campaign where Jane Muskie became a household name. During the '72 New Hampshire primary, a choked up Ed Muskie stood outside the Manchester Union Leader in the snow to denounce the newspaper's publisher, conservative William Loeb, for repeating gossip about his wife in the paper. To this day, the debate goes on whether Muskie cried during his emotional attack on Loeb; either way, the incident was thought to have damaged his candidacy. Muskie won New Hampshire, but not nearly by the margin the pundits expected, and Sen. George McGovern (D-SD), the second-place finisher, went on to win the nomination. Jane Muskie died on Christmas Day at the age of 77. This Day in Political History: Lester Maddox, a segregationist restaurant owner in Atlanta, is sworn in as governor of Georgia.

The Georgia state legislature elected Maddox, even though he received fewer votes in the November election. But the popular vote leader, Republican Rep. Howard Callaway, failed to get a majority, and thus the arbiter of the election was the legislature, which was overwhelmingly Democratic (Jan. 10, 1967). Got a question? Ask Ken Rudin: politicaljunkie@npr.org . Shirley Chisholm: Visionary Videos: NVLP: African American History Realplayer Required Raised and educated in Barbados and the Bedford-Stuyvesant area of Brooklyn, New York, Chisholm trained as a teacher at Brooklyn College. She learned the arts of organizing and fundraising, joining the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. She developed a keen interest in politics. After a successful teaching career, Chisholm was elected to the New York State Assembly in 1964, and then in 1968 successfully ran for the U.S. Congress. Always considering herself a political maverick, Chisholm protested expenses for the defense budget while social programs suffered. She supported pro-choice legislation.

She argued that women be admitted to male dominated professions--particularly black women, who had been shunted into stereotypical maid and nanny roles. Her antiwar and women's liberation views made her a popular figure among college students. This interview has American Folklife Center Civil rights for blacks, women, and the poor, the U.S. judicial system, police brutality, prison reform, gun control, political dissent, and drug abuse were issues she consistently spoke out on when she ran for the presidency. George McGovern won the Democratic presidential nomination, but Chisholm captured ten percent of the delegates' votes. As a result of her candidacy, Chisholm was voted one of the ten most admired women in the world. After her campaign, Chisholm continued to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives for another decade. As a member of the Black Caucus she saw black representation in the Congress grow, and welcomed other black women as US representatives. Chisholm co-founded the National Political Congress of Black Women in 1984 and worked vigorously for the presidential campaigns of Jesse Jackson in 1984 and 1988.

She also served as Purington Professor at Massachusetts' Mount Holyoke College, where she taught politics and women's studies. In 1985, she was a visiting scholar at Spelman College. In 1987, she retired from teaching. Shirley Chisholm died on New Year's Day 2005. VIDEO CLIPS Women of the CBC > Biographies Alma Adams's website Karen Bass (October 3, 1953 – ) Congresswoman Karen Bass has represented the 33rd district of California since January 3, 2011 (112th Congress - Present). She serves on the Budget Committee and the Foreign Affairs Committee where she is the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health and Human Rights. She is also a co-chair of the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Coalition on Adoption. Prior to her tenure in Congress, Rep. Bass served as the 67th speaker of the California State Assembly, the first African-American woman in that position. She graduated from Cal State Dominguez Hills, and the University of Southern California's School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program.

Biographical Directory of the United States Congress: Karen Bass Joyce Beatty (March 12, 1950 – ) Congresswoman Joyce Beatty has represented the 3rd district of Ohio since January 3, 2013 (113th Congress - Present). She serves on the Financial Services Committee and the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance and Oversight and Investigations. Prior to her tenure in Congress, Rep. Beatty served as a Member of the Ohio House of Representatives from 1999-2008. She graduated from Central State University, Wright State University, and the University of Cincinnati. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress: Joyce Beatty Corrine Brown (November 11, 1946 – ) Congresswoman Corrine Brown has represented the 3rd Congressional District of Florida since January 5, 1993 (103rd Congress-Present). She has served on the Public Works and Transportation; Government Operations; and Transportation and Infrastructure Committees. During the 108th Congress, she was picked by the Democratic Leadership to be the Ranking Democrat on the Transportation Subcommittee on Railroad. A champion for the issues of veterans, Rep.

Brown has served as Ranking Member on the Oversight and Investigation Subcommittee of Veterans Affairs. She has taken a special interest in the issues of women veterans. She is also committed to improving the quality of public education and childcare. Prior to her tenure in Congress, Rep. Brown served for ten years in the Florida House of Representatives. She was a faculty member at several colleges and universities in Florida. Rep. Brown earned a bachelorï¿½s degree from Florida A&M University. She also received a masterï¿½s degree and an education specialist degree from the University of Florida and an honorary doctor of law degree from Edward Waters College. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress: Corrine Brown Yvonne Brathwaite Burke (October 5, 1932 – ) The first female chair of the Congressional Black Caucus in 1976, Congresswoman Yvonne Brathwaite Burke served as a representative of Californiaï¿½s 28th Congressional District from January 3, 1973 to January 3, 1979 (93rd-95th Congresses). She was also the first African American woman elected to the United States House of Representatives from California.

Her committee assignments included the Interior and Insular Affairs; Public Works; Appropriation; Select Assassinations; and Select Beauty Shop Committees. She chaired the Select Beauty Shop Committee for the 94th and 95th Congresses. Prior to her tenure in Congress, Rep. Burke was the first African American woman to serve in the California State Assembly. During her career, she has fought for prison reform, improved childcare, equal opportunities for minorities and women, and education. She has focused her efforts on improving the lives of children, encouraging economic development, and improving transportation in Los Angeles. She received a bachelorï¿½s degree from the University of California, Los Angeles and a law degree from the University Of Southern California School Of Law. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress: Yvonne Brathwaite Burke Julia M. Carson (July 8, 1938 – December 15, 2007) Congresswoman Julia M. Carson represented the 7th Congressional District of Indiana from January 9, 1997 until her death from lung cancer on December 15, 2007 (105th – 110th Congresses).

She was the first woman and first African-American to serve in the United States House of Representatives from Indianapolis. Her committee assignments included the Banking and Financial Services; Financial Services; Veterans’ Affairs; and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committees. Rep. Carson was a leading advocate of legislation designed to end homelessness in the United States by addressing the housing, health, and income needs of people experiencing homelessness and families at risk of homelessness. Prior to her tenure in Congress, Rep. Carson served in the Indiana General Assembly and as a Center Township Trustee. She attended Martin University and Indiana University-Purdue University. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress: Julia M. Carson Shirley A. Chisholm (November 30, 1924 ï¿½ January 1, 2005) Congresswoman Shirley A. Chisholm was the first African American woman elected to Congress, representing New Yorkï¿½s 12th District from January 3, 1969 to January 3, 1983 (91stï¿½97th Congresses). She served on the Education and Labor; Rules; and Veterans Affairs Committees.

In 1972, she became the first Black woman to run for the U. S. presidency. During her 14 years in the House, Rep. Chisholm was known for her strong liberal views, including her opposition to U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War and her advocacy of full-employment programs. She also earned praise for her efforts on behalf of Black colleges, compulsory education, and raising the minimum wage. Prior to her election to Congress, Rep. Chisholm served as a delegate to the New York State Assembly. She co-founded the National Political Congress of Black Women in 1984 and worked vigorously for the presidential campaigns of Jesse Jackson in 1984 and 1988. After leaving Congress, she taught politics and women's studies at Massachusetts' Mount Holyoke College until 1987. Congresswoman Chisholm received her bachelor's degree from Brooklyn College and a master's degree in elementary education from Teachers College, Columbia University. While in Congress, she published two books, Unbought and Unbossed (1970) and The Good Fight (1973). Biographical Directory of the United States Congress: Shirley A.

Chisholm Donna M. Christian-Christensen (September 19, 1945 – January 2, 2015) Congresswoman Donna M. Christian-Christensen has served as a delegate from the Virgin Islands since January 7, 1997 (105th Congress-Present). She is the first female physician in the history of the U.S. Congress, the first woman to represent an offshore Territory, and the first woman delegate from the United States Virgin Islands. She has served on the Resources, Small Business, and Homeland Security Committees. Currently, she chairs the Natural Resources Committee's Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, which has oversight over the offshore territories and free associated states. She is the only African American on the Natural Resources Committee and is also a member of the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands. She is a member of the Friends of the Caribbean Caucus and is involved in issues of concern to the Caribbean and the Caribbean Diaspora. Rep. Christensen currently chairs the Congressional Black Caucus' Health Braintrust, which oversees and advocates minority health issues nationally and internationally and is also a Member of the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues. She has fought to increase access to health care. Rep.

Christensen practiced medicine from 1975 until her election to Congress in 1996. She has served as an emergency room physician; a physician at a Drug Abuse and HIV, STD, and TB Clinic; a staff physician at the Maternal & Child Health Program; Medical Director of the Nesbitt Clinic in Frederiksted; Director of the Frederiksted Health Center; Director of Maternal and Child Health and Family Planning; Medical Director of the St. Croix Hospital and Territorial Assistant Commissioner of Health; and as the Acting Commissioner of Health. She received her Bachelor of Science from St. Mary's College in Notre Dame, Ind. and a Doctorate of Medicine from George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress: Donna M. Christian-Christensen Yvette D. Clarke (November 21, 1964 – ) Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke has represented New Yorkï¿½s 11th Congressional District since January 4, 2007 (109th Congress-Present).

She is currently a member of three House committees ï¿½ Education and Labor; Homeland Security; and Small Business ï¿½ plus two subcommittees within each committee. Prior to her election to the United States House of Representatives in 2006, Rep. Clarke was a member of the New York City Council. She was first elected to city service in 2001, succeeding former City Councilmember Dr. Una S.T. Clarke, making them the first mother-daughter succession in the history of the New York City Council. Congresswoman Clarke received a scholarship to Oberlin College and was a recipient of the prestigious APPAH/Sloan Fellowship in Public Policy and Policy Analysis. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress: Yvette D. Clarke Eva Clayton (September 16, 1934 – ) Congresswoman Eva Clayton served as representative of North Carolinaï¿½s 1st Congressional District from November 5, 1992 to January 3, 2003 (102nd-107th Congresses). She was the first African American woman to be elected to Congress from North Carolina. Her committee assignments included the Agriculture, Small Business, and Budget Committees.

She also served as Co-chair of the House Democratic Policy Committee during the 104th Congress. Prior to her tenure in Congress, Rep. Clayton served as director of the University of North Carolina Health Manpower Development Programs and assistant secretary for community development with the North Carolina Department of Natural Resources and Community Development. She received a bachelorï¿½s degree from Johnson C. Smith University and a masterï¿½s degree from North Carolina Central University. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress: Eva Clayton Bonnie Watson Coleman Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman represents New Jersey's 12 Congressional District (114th Congress-Present) her election to the House of Representatives makes her the first African American woman to represent New Jersey in Congress. She serves on both the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and the House Committee on Homeland Security, where she is Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Homeland Oversight. The daughter of legendary state legislator John S. Watson, Watson Coleman has continued a family legacy of public service fighting for women, economic and socially disadvantaged populations, and other vulnerable groups in our society. Watson Coleman graduated from Thomas Edison State College. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

and an honorary member of the Girl Scouts of America. She is also a Deaconess at Shiloh Baptist Church in Trenton, N.J. Bonnie Watson Colemanï¿½s website Barbara-Rose Collins (April 13, 1939 – ) Congresswoman Barbara-Rose Collins represented Michiganï¿½s 15th Congressional District from January 3, 1991 to January 3, 1997 (102nd-104th Congresses). Her committee assignments included the Public Works and Transportation; Transportation and Infrastructure; Government Operations; Government Reform and Oversight; Post Office and Civil Service; Science, Space, and Technology; and the Select Children, Youth, and Families Committees. She chaired the Postal Operations and Services Subcommittee. In her hometown of Detroit, she has served as public school board member, city council member and as a member of the Michigan House of Representatives. She attended Wayne State University.

Biographical Directory of the United States Congress: Barbara-Rose Collins Cardiss Collins (September 24, 1931 – February 2, 2013 ) Congresswoman Cardiss Collins served as a representative from the 7th Congressional District of Illinois from June 7, 1973 to January 3, 1997 (93rd-104th Congresses), after winning a special election to succeed her late husband, George W. Collins. She served as chair of the Congressional Black Caucus during the 96th Congress. Her committee assignments included the Government Operations; Government Reform and Oversight; Public Works; International Relations; Foreign Affairs; District of Columbia; Energy and Commerce; Commerce; Select Population; and Select Narcotics Abuse and Control Committees. Rep. Collins fought for diversity and gender equity in the communications and media industries. Her other legislative interests included health care, gender equity in college athletics, and reforming childcare. She attended Northwestern University.

Biographical Directory of the United States Congress: Cardiss Collins Donna Edwards (June 28, 1958 – ) Congresswoman Donna Edwards has represented the 4th congressional district of Maryland since June 2008 (110th Congress ï¿½ Present). She serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Science and Technology Committee where she is the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation. Rep. Edwards also serves on the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. Prior to her tenure in Congress, she had a diverse career as a nonprofit public interest advocate, including working to end domestic violence, and in the private sector on NASA's Spacelab project. Just prior to serving in Congress, she was the executive director of the Arca Foundation in Washington, DC. Rep. Edwards earned a degree from Wake Forest University and received her Juris Doctor from the University of New Hampshire School of Law (formerly the Franklin Pierce Law Center). Biographical Directory of the United States Congress: Donna F. Edwards Marcia L. Fudge (October 29, 1952 – ) Congresswoman Fudge serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.

She is the Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education. She is also a member of several Congressional Caucuses and served as Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus from 2013-2015. In 2014, Congresswoman Fudge became an original co-chair of the Democrats for Public Education. Prior to her tenure in Congress, Rep. Fudge was the first woman and first African American to serve as mayor in Warrensville Heights, Ohio. She was also the past National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Rep. Fudge earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from The Ohio State University and a law degree from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, Cleveland State University. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress: Marcia L. Fudge Katie B. Hall (April 3, 1938 – February 20, 2012) Congresswoman Katie B. Hall represented Indiana's 1st Congressional District from November 29, 1982 to January 3, 1985 (97th-98th Congresses).

She was the first African American to serve in the United States House of Representatives from Indiana. Her committee assignments included the Post Office and Civil Service Committee as well as the Public Works and Transportation Committee. Congresswoman Hall has also served as a member of Indiana state house of representatives from 1974 to 1976 and the Indiana state senate from 1976 to 1982. She received a bachelor's degree from Mississippi Valley State University and a Master's Degree from Indiana University. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress: Katie B. Hall Sheila Jackson Lee (January 12, 1950 – ) Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee has represented the 18th Congressional District of Texas since January 3, 1995 (104th Congress-Present). Her committee assignments have included the Judiciary; Science; Foreign Affairs; and Homeland Security Committees. She is the Ranking Member of the Immigration, Border Security and Claims Committee as well as the only female to serve as a ranking member of Judiciary Subcommittee. During her tenure in Congress, Rep.

Jackson Lee has served as Co-Chair of the Congressional Children's Caucus, Co-Chair of the Democratic Caucus's Children's Taskforce, Speaker on the Bi-Partisan Taskforce on Youth Violence, member of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus, the Congressional Caucus on Women's Issues, the Congressional Black Caucus where she has served as the Whip for two terms, the Internet Caucus, and the Aeronautics and the Space Caucus. Prior to her career in Congress, she practiced law, served as Staff Counsel for the United States House Select Committee on Assassinations, and as a municipal judge for three years. Before her election to Congress, Rep. Jackson Lee served two terms as one of the first African American women At-Large members of the Houston City Council, where she chaired the first Human Relations Committee, along with the Airport and Cable Committees. She also served as an associate Municipal Court Judge for the City of Houston. She received a bachelorï¿½s degree from Yale University and a law degree from the University of Virginia Law School.

Biographical Directory of the United States Congress: Sheila Jackson Lee Eddie Bernice Johnson (December 3, 1935 – ) Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson has represented the 30th Congressional District of Texas since January 5, 1993 (103rd Congress-Present). She was the first African American to serve in the United States House of Representatives from the Dallas area. Rep. Johnson was the Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus during the 107th Congress. Her committee assignments have included the Transportation and Infrastructure (formerly Public Works and Transportation) and the Science Committee (formerly Science, Space, and Technology). Rep. Johnson has been outspoken on several issues including science, technology, transportation, election reform and civil rights. Prior to her tenure in Congress, she served as a member of the United States Department of Health Education and Welfare and the Texas House of Representatives, where she made history as the first woman in Texas to lead a major Texas house committee. A registered nurse, Congresswoman Johnson earned a nursing certificate from St. Maryï¿½s College at the University of Notre Dame. She also earned a bachelorï¿½s degree from Texas Christian University and a masterï¿½s degree from Southern Methodist University.

Biographical Directory of the United States Congress: Eddie Bernice Johnson Stephanie Tubbs Jones (September 10, 1949 – August 20, 2008) Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones represented Ohioï¿½s 11th Congressional District from January 3, 1999 until her death on August 20, 2008 (106th Congress-110th Congress). She was the first African American woman elected to the United States House of Representatives from Ohio. Her committee assignments included the Banking and Financial Services (now named Financial Services), Small Business, Ways and Means, and Standards of Official Conduct Committees. She served as chair of the Standards of Official Conduct Committee for the 110th Congress. Rep. Jones also served as chair of the Congressional Black Caucusï¿½ Housing Task Force. She was a strong advocate for economic development, accessible health care and quality public education. Prior to her tenure as a U.S. Representative, she served as a County Prosecutor and as a Common Pleas and Municipal Court Judge in Cleveland, Ohio. Congresswoman Jones earned a bachelorï¿½s degree and a law degree from Case Western Reserve University.

Biographical Directory of the United States Congress: Stephanie Tubbs Jones Barbara C. Jordan (February 21, 1936- January 17, 1996) Congresswoman Barbara C. Jordan served as a representative of the 18th Congressional District of Texas from January 3, 1973 to January 3, 1979 (93rd-95th Congresses). She was the first African American person to represent Texas and the first African American woman to represent a southern state in the United States House of Representatives. Her committee assignments included the Judiciary and Government Operations Committees. A lawyer, Rep. Jordan also served as a member of the Texas Senate, a delegate to two Texas State Democratic Conventions, and a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1968 and keynote speaker at the National Convention in 1976. After her service in Congress she taught public policy at the University of Texas at Austin and served on the Commission on Immigration Reform. She received her bachelorï¿½s degree from Texas Southern University. She also earned her law degree from Boston University School of Law. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress: Barbara C.

Jordan Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (June 25, 1945 – ) Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick represented Michigan's 13th Congressional District from January 7, 1997 through January 3, 2011 (105th-111th Congresses). Her committee assignments included the House Banking and Financial Services and House Oversight and Appropriations Committees as well as the Joint Committee on the Library. Rep. Kilpatrick was selected as the first Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus' Political Action Committee during the 109th Congress and served as the Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus in the 110th Congress (2007ï¿½2009). She was also the first African American Member of Congress appointed to the United States Air Force Academy Board. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Congresswoman Kilpatrick played an important role in determining funding for federal programs. Prior to her tenure in Congress, Rep. Kilpatrick served as a teacher and member of the Michigan State House of Representatives, where she was the first African American woman to serve on the Michigan House Appropriations Committee.

She earned a bachelor's degree from Western Michigan University and a master's degree from the University of Michigan. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress: Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick Robin Kelly (April 30, 1956 – ) Rep. Robin Kelly has represented Illinois' 2nd Congressional District since April 13 2013. She sits on the Committee on Science, Space and Technology and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Prior to joining Congress, Rep. Kelly served as a State Representative in the Illinois Legislature, where she fought for landmark legislation to protect victims of domestic violence. While in the Legislature, Rep. Kelly mentored progressive candidates and encouraged new leaders, including one of her colleagues, Barack Obama, in his successful 2004 bid for U.S. Senate. Prior to her tenure in Congress Rep. Kelly was Chief Administrative Officer of Cook County, where she was responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the second largest county in the nation.

Biographical Directory of the United States Congress: Robin Kelly Barbara Lee (July 16, 1946 – ) Congresswoman Barbara Lee has served as a representative of Californiaï¿½s 9th Congressional District since April 20, 1998 (106th Congress-Present). Her committee assignments include the Banking and Financial Services (now named Financial Services); Science; Appropriations; and International Relations Committees. She also served as Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus from 2009-2011. She is the most senior Democratic Woman on the House of International Relations Committee where she serves on the Africa and the Western Hemisphere Subcommittees. She also serves as Co-Chairwoman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, First Vice-Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus and Senior Democratic Whip. Congresswoman Lee is Chair of the CBCï¿½s Task Force on Global HIV/AIDS and Co-Chair of the CBC Haiti Task Force. She has been a leader in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. Prior to her tenure in Congress, Rep. Lee served as Chief of Staff for Congressman Ron Dellums. She also served in both the California State Assembly and California State Senate. Rep.

Lee received a bachelorï¿½s degree from Mills College and a masterï¿½s degree from the University of California, Berkeley. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress: Barbara Lee Denise L. Majette (May 18, 1955 – ) Congresswoman Majette served as a representative of Georgia from January 7, 2003, to January 3, 2005 (108th Congress). She served on the Budget, Education and Workforce and Small Business Committees. A lawyer and professor, Majette served as a judge for George state court for nearly ten years. Majette received her bachelorï¿½s degree from Yale University and her law degree from Wake Forest Law School. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress: Denise L. Majette Cynthia A. McKinney (March 17, 1955 – ) Congresswoman Cynthia A.

McKinney served as a representative of Georgiaï¿½s 4th Congressional District from January 5, 1993 to January 3, 2003 (103rd-107th Congresses) and again during the 109th Congress (2005-2006). She was the first African American woman to serve in the United States House of Representative from Georgia. Her committee assignments included the Banking and Financial Services; Agriculture; Foreign Affairs; International Relations; National Security; Armed Forces; and Budget Committees. Rep. McKinney has been an outspoken advocate for human rights, voting rights and government accountability. Prior to her tenure in the United States House of Representatives, Rep. McKinney served as a member of the Georgia State Legislature. She has also been a fellow and faculty member at several universities. Rep. McKinney received a bachelorï¿½s degree from the University of Southern California and a masterï¿½s degree from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress: Cynthia A.

McKinney Carrie Meek (April 29, 1926 – ) Congresswoman Carrie Meek served as a representative of Floridaï¿½s 17th Congressional District from January 5, 1993 to January 3, 2003 (103rd-107th Congresses). Her committee assignments included the Government Reform and Oversight; Budget; and Appropriations Committees. Rep. Meek is an educational administrator and educational consultant who has served as a member of the Florida state House of Representatives and the Florida state senate. She has also served as a board member of the Health System-Health Planning Council and the Minority Business Enterprise Committee on Transportation and chair of the Park for People Program in Miami, Florida. She received a bachelorï¿½s degree from Florida A&M University and a masterï¿½s degree from the University of Michigan. She is the mother of Congressman Kendrick Meek.

Biographical Directory of the United States Congress: Carrie Meek Juanita Millender-McDonald (September 7, 1938 – April 22, 2007) Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald served as representative of Californiaï¿½s 37th Congressional District from April 16, 1996 until she died of cancer on April 22, 2007. She was the first African American woman appointed Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration and served as committee chair during the first session of the 110th Congress. She also served on the Transportation and Infrastructure and Small Business Committees as well as the Joint Printing and Joint Library Committees, chairing both Joint Committees during the first session of the 110th Congress. In addition, she was Regional Democratic Whip and Co-Chair of the Democratic Caucus for Women. Rep. Millender-McDonald was active in many legislative areas, including education, childcare, drug abuse, and health. She was a member of the California State Assembly and was the first African American woman elected to the Carson City Council when she became Carson Cityï¿½s mayor pro tem in 1991.

She received a bachelorï¿½s degree from the University of Redlands and a masterï¿½s degree from California State University, Los Angeles. Rep. Millender-McDonaldï¿½s keynote address for the Library of Congress February 2007 observance of African American History Month Gwen Moore (April 18, 1951 – ) Congresswoman Gwen Moore has served as a representative of Wisconsinï¿½s 4th Congressional District since January 3, 2005 (109th Congress-Present). An outspoken advocate for the improvement of conditions in low-income communities, Rep. Moore has fought to promote economic prosperity. Her committee assignments have included the Small Business, Financial Services, and Budget Committees. Prior to her tenure in Congress, Rep. Moore served in the Wisconsin State Assembly from 1989 to 1992 and in the State Senate from 1993 to 2003. She was also a housing officer with the Wisconsin Housing and Development Authority. She received her bachelorï¿½s degree from Marquette University and earned a Harvard University Certificate for Senior Executives in State and Local Government.

Biographical Directory of the United States Congress: Gwen Moore Carol Moseley-Braun (August 16, 1947 – ) Senator Carol Moseley-Braun served as a Senator from Illinois from January 5, 1993 to January 3, 1999 (103rd-105th Congresses). She is the only African American woman to have served in the U.S. Senate. While a Senator, she served on the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; Judiciary; Small Business; Finance; and Special Aging Committees. Prior to her tenure in the U.S. Congress, Sen. Moseley-Braun served in the Illinois House of Representatives and as prosecutor in the office of the United States Attorney in Chicago. Later Sen. Moseley-Braun was an Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa. In 2004, she was candidate for the Democratic nomination for President. She received a bachelorï¿½s degree from the University of Illinois and a law degree from University of Chicago School of Law.

Biographical Directory of the United States Congress: Carol Moseley-Braun Eleanor Holmes Norton (June 13, 1937 – ) Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton has served as a delegate from the District of Columbia since January 3, 1991 (102nd Congress-Present). President Jimmy Carter named Rep. Norton as the first woman to chair the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Her committee assignments have included the House Government Reform; Homeland Security; Post Office and Civil Service; Small Business; District of Columbia; and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committees. She has also served in the Democratic House Leadership Group and as the Democratic Chair of the Womenï¿½s Caucus. Rep. Norton has fought tirelessly for full congressional voting representation of District of Columbia residents. She has also been an outspoken advocate for universal human rights. Prior to her tenure in Congress, Rep. Norton was a nationally known feminist, civil rights leader and law professor. She received a bachelorï¿½s degree from Antioch College and earned both a law and masterï¿½s degree from Yale University.

Biographical Directory of the United States Congress: Eleanor Holmes Norton Laura Richardson (August 14, 1962 – ) In 2007, Congresswoman Laura Richardson surpassed 16 candidates in a special election and was elected to her first term in the House of Representatives to represent California's culturally and economically diverse 37th Congressional District (110th Congress-112th Congress) setting a record of distinction in having served all three levels of government; local, state and federal all in the span of less than a year. Once elected, Richardson was assigned to serve on the influential Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and Committee on Science and Technology. Congresswoman Richardson began her public service career in 2000 as a Long Beach City Councilwoman. In 2006, Richardson won a seat in the California Assembly in the 55th District serving as Assistant Pro Tempore in the Assembly. She was the first, South Bay representative, freshman, and African- American woman to hold this prestigious position. She received a Bachelors of Arts from the University of California, Los Angeles and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Southern California.

Biographical Directory of the United States Congress: Laura Richardson Terri A. Sewell (January 1, 1965 – ) Congresswoman Terri Sewell has represented 7th district of Alabama since January 3, 2011 (112th Congress ï¿½ Present). She sits on the House Committee on Agriculture as well as the House Committee on Science, Space & Technology. She is also serving as the Democratic freshman class president and as both regional and senior Whip. Prior to her election to Congress, Congresswoman Sewell was a partner in the Birmingham law office of Maynard, Cooper & Gale, P.C. She graduated cum laude from Princeton University and received a Masters degree with first class Honors from Oxford University. In Addition, Rep. Sewell received her Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress: Terri A. Sewell Maxine Waters (August 15, 1938 – ) Congresswoman Maxine Waters has served as a representative of Californiaï¿½s 35th Congressional District since January 3, 1991 (102nd Congress-Present).

During the 105th Congress, Rep. Waters served as Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. She has served on the Democratic National Committee for more than two decades and has been Chief Deputy Whip of the Democratic Party since the 106th Congress. In addition, she is Co-Chair of the House Democratic Steering Committee. Congresswoman Watersï¿½ committee assignments have included the Financial Services, Veterans Affairs, Small Business and Judiciary Committees. Prior to her tenure in Congress, she was a member of the California State Assembly. She has been an outspoken advocate for peace, justice and human rights. Congressman Waters received a bachelorï¿½s degree from California State University, Los Angeles. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress: Maxine Waters Diane E. Watson (November 12, 1933 – ) Congresswoman Watson served as representative of California's 33rd Congressional District from June 7, 2001 to January 3, 2011 (107th-111th Congress). Her committee assignments included the Government Reform and International Relations Committees.

Prior to her tenure in Congress, Congresswoman Watson was the first African American woman to serve on the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education. She also served the California State Senate for several years. Congresswoman Watson has been tireless in her efforts to improve health care and the lives of women and children. Congressman Watson received a Bachelor's degree from the University of California, Los Angeles and a Master's degree from California State University, Los Angeles. She earned a Ph.D. in Educational Administration from Claremont Graduate University and has attended the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress: Diane E. Watson Frederica Wilson (November 4, 1942 – ) Congresswoman Frederica Wilson has represented the 17th district of Florida since January 3, 2011 (112th Congress ï¿½ Present). She serves on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. From 2002 to 2010, Rep. Wilson served in the Florida State Senate, where she served as Minority Leader Pro Tempore and as Minority Lead Whip.

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Fisk University and her Master of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Miami.

Question: In 1968, who was the first African American woman to be elected to the US Congress?
Answer: Shirley Chisholm