Political Club Named For Shirley Chisholm Endorses Clinton For President

The political club named for a ground breaking Caribbean-American politician from Central Brooklyn has endorsed Hillary Clinton for president.

The Shirley Chisholm Democratic Club announced its endorsement of Hillary Rodham Clinton today. Chisholm is known for her historic 1972 presidential campaign — she was the first woman to run for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination, and the first black candidate for President from one of the two dominant political parties.

Blondell Lighty, president of the Shirley Chisholm Democratic Club, issued this statement about the club’s endorsement of Clinton:

“Hillary Clinton has a strong plan to continue to build economic opportunities for all Americans, while combating social and racial injustices. For decades, she has been a strong advocate for children and families, beginning with the Children’s Defense Fund. She continues to be a strong voice around the issues of Healthcare Reform and Women’s Rights.”

Chisholm was the first African American woman elected to Congress, and represented New York’s 12th Congressional District for seven terms, from 1969 to 1983.

During her time In Congress, Chisholm spoke out for civil rights and women’s rights, advocated for the poor and opposed the Vietnam War, PBS reports.

(The Congressional district represented by Chisholm was remapped in 1992 to include neighborhoods in lower Manhattan and Queens. During Chisholm’s tenure, the 12th District was the part of central Brooklyn now represented by Yvette Clarke.)

Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte, who chairs the club named for the pioneering Congresswoman, added that, “we believe Secretary Clinton embodies the ideals and principles for which our club stands.”

The Shirley Chisholm Democratic Club says that it advocates on issues and legislation such as education, immigration, healthcare, housing and tenants’ rights, and economic development, “in order to elevate the standard of living for all.”