The Flatbush community and city officials gathered on November 23 to commemorate the 100th birthday of civil rights pioneer Shirley Chisholm, celebrating her enduring legacy with lively music, dancing, sports, and games at Nostrand Playground. This festivity coincides with the construction of the Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center, aimed at honoring the first African American woman elected to Congress and her historic run for the presidency.
Once completed, the $141 million recreation center will be more than just bricks and mortar; it will feature multiple floors, including amenities such as a gymnasium, indoor track, swimming pool, fitness rooms, and even a teaching kitchen. The facility is set to serve dual purposes: commemorative and practical, addressing the long-standing need for public recreational spaces within Central Brooklyn.
Within this new hub will also be the Dr. Roy Hastick Media Lab, named after the late Caribbean American community leader, exemplifying the center's dedication not only to honoring Chisholm’s legacy but also to fostering community development and engagement.
Chisholm, who was born on November 30, 1924, stood as a beacon of change, breaking barriers as the first African American woman elected to Congress and being the first woman to seek the presidential nomination from a major political party. Her impact transcends generations, inspiring countless individuals to fight for racial and gender equality.
“Shirley Chisholm is a Brooklyn icon,” remarked Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, the NYC Parks First Deputy Commissioner. Her dedication to activism and her historic political career have inspired millions, particularly women and people of color, across the nation.
November 30 was formally recognized as Shirley Chisholm Day by the New York City Council earlier this month, with support coming from City Council member Farah N. Louis, whose district encompasses parts of Brooklyn where Chisholm began her remarkable life.
Chisholm’s story is not just one of personal triumph but also collective empowerment. After earning her degree from Brooklyn College and pursuing higher education, she began her career dedicated to education and social activism, leading her to become the second African American elected to the New York State Legislature in 1964.
Her vision expanded when she won her Congressional seat four years later—serving as the representative for New York’s 12th District for seven consecutive terms, she championed over 50 pieces of legislation aimed at addressing the pressing issues of her time, defending the rights of marginalized groups and advocating for peace.
Among Chisholm’s notable achievements was her symbolic run for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1972. This campaign was groundbreaking as it represented the first time a Black woman sought the nomination from a major party, pushing the envelope for future diverse presidential candidates. Although she faced significant obstacles, including being largely excluded from televised debates, her determination shone through. Chisholm later articulated her campaign's true aim—to create avenues for change and representation.
Instituting her memory through initiatives such as the recreation center seeks to preserve her remarkable story for future generations. The Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center symbolizes not only the reverence for her contributions but also serves as recognition of the societal needs for recreation and community-driven spaces.
On another front, as the centennial of Chisholm's birth approaches, momentum is building for additional accolades, particularly the Shirley Chisholm Congressional Gold Medal. This initiative is gaining traction, with bipartisan support as lawmakers rally behind this endeavor to honor the late congresswoman.
Democratic Senator Laphonza Butler is taking the charge on this pivotal legislation, which seeks to establish one of the country’s highest civilian honors for Chisholm. The bill has successfully garnered backing from influential legislators, including Democrat Senators Cory Booker and Kirsten Gillibrand. The effort to advance this medal highlights the collective commitment to honoring figures who have paved the way for equality and empowerment.
Carlo Jerome Juntilla, the Education and Labor Policy Advisor for Senator Butler, expressed gratitude to the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) for its integral role. “Thanks to your efforts, we have secured the necessary number of co-sponsors to move the bill forward, and we are now in a strong position to pass it,” Juntilla stated, highlighting the importance of amplifying Chisholm’s legacy through collaborative efforts.
The NNPA’s President, Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the significance of Chisholm's legacy and expressing unwavering support for the bill. He stated, “The legacy of the Honorable Shirley Chisholm lives radiantly today and for generations to come.”
With steadfast support from politicians and community advocates alike, the Shirley Chisholm Congressional Gold Medal Act is poised for success, aiming to honor the life of someone whose courage and commitment to justice continues to inspire. Bobby Henry, Chairman of the NNPA, reaffirmed this vision, insisting on the need to celebrate Chisholm’s history annually and signify her rightful place within the narrative of American history.
Shirley Chisholm’s influential campaign of 1972, with its iconic slogan “Unbought and Unbossed,” showcased her fierce resolve to be independent and unyielding. Chisholm’s legacy is about much more than gender and racial representation; it encapsulates the fight for justice, equity, and the empowerment of the often-silenced voices within society.
Chisholm’s impact resonates to this day, not only through the planned recreational center named after her but also through legislative efforts striving to honor her contributions as November 30 approaches and the world remembers “Fighting Shirley.”
