REMARKS
Council Member Farah Louis advocates for Shirley Chisholm Day in New York City
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159 sec
Council Member Farah Louis presents her bill resolution to designate November 30th annually as Shirley Chisholm Day in New York City. She highlights Chisholm's contributions as an educator, activist, and elected official, emphasizing her role as a trailblazer for women of color in politics.
- Chisholm was the first black woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, serving from 1969 to 1983.
- Louis emphasizes Chisholm's Caribbean heritage and her impact on inspiring future generations, particularly women of color.
- The proposed Shirley Chisholm Day aims to promote inclusivity, inspire future leaders, and foster understanding of equality and social justice.
Farah Louis
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Thank you, Chair Williams, and good morning, everyone.
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Chair Williams, thank you for your continued support and recognizing foundational leaders who have strived to make our city and our nation more equitable for all, and I'm grateful to see my bill resolution to 280 being heard today, a resolution that would designate November 30th annually as the Shelley Chisholm Day in New York City.
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In the city of New York.
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It recognizes her immense contributions as an educator activist and elected official who served the people of New York City with passion and dignity.
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Sherlichism was a trailblazer.
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In 1964, she became the 2nd black person ever elected to the New York State Assembly just 4 years later, she made history as the 1st black woman elected to the United States House of Representatives representing New York's 12th Congressional District for 7 terms from 1969 to 1983.
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During her tenure, she she was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus.
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As someone, myself, born to Caribbean immigrants, and a council with a large population of Caribbean Americans, it is fitting to honor Shirley Anita, Saint Hill Chisholm, born in Brooklyn on November 30 2024 to Charles Saint Hill, a factory worker from Guyana and Ruby, Sealy, Saint Hill, a seamstress from Barbados.
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Shirley's famous quote, if they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair exemplifies her grit and determination despite facing stereotypes and prejudice.
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She tirelessly fought for equal rights.
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Establishing Charley Chisholm Day is not only a gesture of respect and gratitude towards her groundbreaking achievements, but also means to promote inclusivity inspire future leaders and foster a deeper understanding of the importance of equality and social justice in our community.
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It commemorates a remarkable leader whose impact continues to resonate and inspire generations.
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Charlicism has certainly inspired many from the black black diaspora and many future generations to come, particularly women of color to pursue leadership roles in policy, advocacy, and social justice.
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Her courage determination and resilience and challenging status quo served as a powerful example of individuals can affect change, positive change despite facing adversity.
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I am excited to see this bill come to fruition.
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I wanna thank the committee and our chair for allowing me to speak today during the hearing.
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Thank you, Jill Williams.