REMARKS
Council Member Farah N. Louis speaks in support of Resolution 280 to designate Shirley Chisholm Day
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Council Member Farah N. Louis delivers a speech in support of Resolution 280, which aims to designate November 30th annually as Shirley Chisholm Day in New York City. She highlights Chisholm's groundbreaking achievements as a Black woman in politics and emphasizes the importance of representation and breaking barriers for future generations.
- Louis details Chisholm's political career, including her roles in the New York State Assembly, U.S. House of Representatives, and her historic presidential campaign.
- The council member emphasizes how this resolution will inspire young women, particularly Black women and women of color, by showing that their dreams are valid and their voices matter.
- Louis concludes by urging her colleagues to vote yes on the resolution, framing it as a continuation of Chisholm's work to uplift marginalized voices.
Farah N. Louis
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-Thank you, Chair Williams.
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Good morning, everyone.
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And, Chair Williams, I want to thank you for your partnership and commitment to share this shared mission of lifting up Black voices, women's voices to create a more equitable New York City.
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It is an honor to have resolution 280 voted on today, a bill that would designate November 30th annually as Shirley Chisholm date in the city of New York.
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This legislation is more than a recognition, but an affirmation of the contributions of Shirley Anita Saint Hill Chisholm, who unlocked and opened doors for generations of political leaders who were excluded simply for being black.
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After becoming the second Black person elected to the New York State Assembly in 1964, she shattered glass ceilings as the 1st Black woman elected in U.
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S.
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House of Representatives for 4 4 years later, serving 7 terms representing New York's 12th congressional district, which overlaps with the modern day 45th district of the city of New York.
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Her bold pursuit of equality extended her historic presidential campaign in 1972 as the first black person and first woman to seek the Democratic party's nomination.
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Her slogan, unbought and unbossed, exemplified her commitment to challenging the status quo and her refusal to be silenced.
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Born in Brooklyn to parents from Guyana and Barbados, Shirley Chisholm's story is deeply tied to the fabric of our city.
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Her famous words, if they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair, resonate as a call to action to ensure every voice is heard and every barrier broken.
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The passing of this resolution today is not just about honoring her legacy.
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It's about showing young women in our city, particularly black women and women of color, that their dreams are valid, their voices matter, and their leadership can transform our society.
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By designating Shirley Chisholm Day, we are breaking glass ceilings for the thousands of young women pursuing opportunities educationally, professionally, and civically.
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New York City values equity, representation, and the courage to lead.
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We must continue to work.
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Shirley Chisholm started continue the work Shirley Chisholm started to dream bigger, fight harder, and never stop advocating for a seat at the table.
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Together, we can continue to uplift black voices, women's voices, and the voices of those that are marginalized.
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Thank you again, Chair Williams, for your support, and I urge my colleagues to vote yes.
