Two black women were pioneers in their service in the U.S. Congress: Shirley Chisholm was elected in 1968, winning a seat from Brooklyn, and was the first black woman in the House. Barbara Jordan joined her in 1972, becoming the first black woman from the South elected to Congress, and one of the first two African Americans since Reconstruction elected to Congress.
Both were known for their criticism of the Vietnam War and for their work for minority and women's rights. Barbara Jordan was also known for a riveting speech at the 1976 Democratic National Convention, and Shirley Chisholm for her barrier-breaking run for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1972.
Both were women who were, above all, themselves, even as they faced discrimination as women and as African Americans. Read more about these two fascinating black women in American history:
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