Parameter name: request
Translate Request has too much data
Parameter name: request
Shirley Chisholm, 1924-2005: The First Black Woman Elected to the U.S. Congress | Special English | Learning English/*
VOA Learning EnglishLearn American English and Much More
Read, Listen, Learn
RSS FeedShirley Chisholm, 1924-2005: The First Black Woman Elected to the U.S. Congress ??19 March 2011
Photo: AP Share ThisDiggYahoo! BuzzFacebookdel.icio.usStumbleUponTO DOWNLOAD the MP3 of this story, click on the MP3 link in the upper right corner of the page. Double-click any word to find the definition in the Merriam-Webster Learner's Dictionary
GWEN OUTEN: I’m Gwen Outen.
DOUG JOHNSON: And I’m Doug Johnson with PEOPLE IN AMERICA in VOA Special English. Today we tell about Shirley Chisholm. She was an educator, activist and politician.
(MUSIC)
GWEN OUTEN: Shirley Chisholm is best known as the first black woman elected to United States Congress and the first black woman to run for president of the United States. However, her life was filled with much more than being the first black woman to do important things.? She believed in being a person to fight for change.? All her life, she worked to improve the lives of others.
(MUSIC)
DOUG JOHNSON: Shirley Anita Saint Hill was born in Brooklyn, New York in nineteen twenty-four.? She was the oldest of four daughters.? Her father was a factory worker from Guyana.? He loved to read.? Her mother was from the British West Indies island of Barbados.? She made clothes and cleaned other people’s houses.
APShirley Chisholm re-enacts her swearing in ceremony with Speaker John McCormack
Shirley’s parents had very little money.? They wanted their daughters to get a good education and to have a better life.? When Shirley was three years old her parents sent her and her sisters to live with their grandmother in Barbados.
Shirley received a good education from the British school system.? She enjoyed the years she lived with her grandmother.? Her family in Barbados was a strong, organized group that believed in education.? Shirley always remembered the words her grandmother spoke.
SHIRLEY CHISHOLM: “When I was reared in the British West Indies my grandmother used to always tell me, you may not be loved by certain forces in a society and you have to understand why.? But always speak the truth.”
GWEN OUTEN: In nineteen thirty-four Shirley moved back to Brooklyn.? She was ten years old.? She continued to do very well in school.? She later graduated from Brooklyn College with honors.? In nineteen forty-nine, she married Conrad Chisholm who worked as a private investigator.? Together they took part in local politics.? Their marriage ended almost thirty years later.
As a young woman, Shirley decided to become a teacher.? She believed she could improve society by helping children.? She worked for seven years at a child care center in the Harlem area of New York City.? She attended Columbia University at night and received an advanced degree in early childhood education in nineteen fifty-two.? She became known as an expert in children and early education.? From nineteen fifty-nine to nineteen sixty-four Shirley Chisholm was an education official in the day care division of the city’s office of child welfare.
(MUSIC)
DOUG JOHNSON: In ninety sixty-four Shirley Chisholm’s political career began.? She was elected to the New York State Assembly.? She served for four years.
In nineteen sixty-eight she announced she would run for the United States Congress.? She was elected from the newly created Twelfth District of New York City.? She became the first black woman elected to Congress.? She represented a poor area of Brooklyn called Bedford-Stuyvesant.
APA portrait of the late New York Rep. Shirley Chisholm, painted by artist Kadir Nelson, is shown on Capitol Hill on March 3, 2009, the 40th anniversary of her swearing in ceremony
In Congress, Ms. Chisholm was assigned to the House Agriculture Committee.? She protested this assignment.? She felt it was not important to the poor people of the city that she represented.? She was moved to the Veterans Affairs Committee.? She later served on the Education and Labor Committee, the position she wanted.? In nineteen seventy-seven she joined the important House Rules Committee.
GWEN OUTEN: Shirley Chisholm was very different from other members of Congress.? She looked different.? Her hair was a big cloud of curls.? She wore very large eyeglasses.? And she had dark skin.
She also spoke differently.? She had developed a minor Caribbean accent while living with her grandmother in Barbados.
Her voice was strong.? She spoke with power.? She said her greatest tool was her mouth.? She was not afraid to say the things others would not say before Congress and the public.
SHIRLEY CHISHOLM: “But, my friends, I might be strong for some persons in this audience, but I believe in telling it like it is.”
DOUG JOHNSON: Shirley Chisholm spoke strongly for the poor and for women.? She worked for civil rights for African-Americans.? She opposed the Vietnam War.? In nineteen sixty-nine she helped form the Congressional Black Caucus.? She also was a member of the National Organization for Women.? Ms.Chisholm was an activist for people of color, including Native Americans and Spanish-speaking immigrants.? She often spoke about cultural and social issues.
SHIRLEY CHISHOLM: “Increasing immigration to the United States suggests that we do face -- and we better own up to – we do face -- new social and cultural problems as these new Americans are integrated into our society.? And because most of the new immigrants are people of color, cultural adjustments must be made by all groups in America if we are to learn to live together as one nation.”
GWEN OUTEN: Ms.Chisholm wrote a book about her life in nineteen seventy called “Unbought and Unbossed.”? She refused to be defined by party politics or racial comparisons.? Sometimes this worked against her.
In nineteen seventy-two Shirley Chisholm announced that she would run for president of the United States.? Many people thought it was a strange thing to do.? Ms. Chisholm said during her life in politics she faced more discrimination as a woman than as a black person.
Shirley Chisholm became the first woman and the first black person to carry out a presidential campaign within one of the major parties.? When she announced her candidacy for the Democratic Party nomination for president this is what she said:
APCongresswoman Shirley Chisholm enjoys herself on the dance floor at the famous Copacabana club in New York
“I am not the candidate of black America, although I am black and proud.? I am not the candidate of the women’s movement of this country, although I am a woman and I am equally proud of that.? I am not the candidate of any political bosses or special interests.? I am the candidate of the people.”
Ms. Chisholm did not win the Democratic primaries or the nomination.? She said she did not run for president because she expected to win.? She ran to make a point.
In nineteen seventy-three Shirley Chisholm wrote another book, “The Good Fight.”? In that book she told of her reasons for running for president even though she did not expect to win.? She said:
“The next time a woman runs, or a black, or a Jew or anyone from a group that the country is ‘not ready’ to elect to the highest office, I believe he or she will be taken seriously from the start.”
(MUSIC)
DOUG JOHNSON: Shirley Chisholm left Congress in nineteen eighty-two after fourteen years.? She said many voters did not understand her.? She said her influence as a truthful, tough politician was decreasing in conservative times.? Also, she wanted to spend more time with her second husband, Arthur Hardwick.
Ms. Chisholm went on to teach at Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Massachusetts.? Years after leaving Congress, she continued to be invited to speak before many groups and organizations.
A reporter once asked Ms. Chisholm how she wanted to be remembered.? She said she did not want to be remembered as the nation’s first black congresswoman.? She wanted to be remembered as a brave person, a person who created change.
GWEN OUTEN: Shirley Chisholm died January first, two thousand five.? She suffered a series of strokes.? She was eighty years old.
Shirley Chisholm loved her country.? She wanted to serve all America, not just African- Americans and women.? Her work for the community of Bedford-Stuyvesant, the state of New York and the nation continues through the changes she helped make in American society.
SHIRLEY CHISHOLM: “America is a wonderful land.? It’s no question about it.? That is why every group from across the waters tries to come to America.? I am hopeful.? Oh God am I hopeful that before I die that I will see that America will move toward a period of real enlightenment (not rhetorical enlightenment, real enlightenment), and that when we are finally faced with the choice of exclusion or inclusion we will choose inclusion because that’s what America is supposed to be all about.”
DOUG JOHNSON: This program was written and produced by Lawan Davis.? I’m Barbara Klein.
GWEN OUTEN: And I’m Gwen Outen.? Join us again next week for PEOPLE IN AMERICA in VOA Special English.
Listen? Email? Print? Comments?Comments (50)19-03-2011Sakra(Cambodia)This is good one worth reading. Thank u VOA.
19-03-2011triumphnarrators' names should be changed :)
20-03-2011jong(korea south)Thank u VOA.
20-03-2011Jeffrey Yeh(Taiwan)Why this MP3 cannot be downloaded? Other MP3s could not be downloaded all the time also.Is there any problem with VOA's website technician?
20-03-2011Yasa(Indonesia)It's very useful for improve my english pronunciation ... thanks a lot ..
20-03-2011Rana Virgie(Indonesia)Well, I like this article. It's inspired me to do something as a woman
20-03-2011Auki(Indonesia)I download the MP3 on this article, but the MP3 unuses in my computer. What hapen in VIO web. Please, repair your MP3.Thaks for your article!
20-03-2011Annie(China)it's good
20-03-2011C(Vietnam)She was a strong woman and i'm proud of her. although, she lived in a discriminated society, but also she fought to be a politican of women, poor peole, people of colour and children. if she has been the first president, Ameria would have changed much. But both of the readers are not Barbara Klein and Steve Ember.
20-03-2011Slava(CR)Ms Shirley Chisholm was great very kind woman which oposed wars and loved people. It is a pity that the period of real enligtement yet not come.
20-03-2011Myriam(Martinique)Thank you VOA for all the portraits you shed light on. These People in America who actually made the country utterly deserved to be known overseas as they are reknown inside of the USA.
20-03-2011sam(china)i like this woman talking.
20-03-2011JIANG C(china)Shirley Chisholm is a geart woman who use her whole life to make AMERICAN more eually. in my country, there is still many unfair thing happened. but ibelieve, the society enviroment will be better and better
20-03-2011dracularking(China)not rhetorical enlightenment, but real enlightenment
20-03-2011metallican(japan)This program is very good story.and,It is easy to listen for me.Thanks !!
20-03-2011Aliyu Kinkilo Shabu(Nasarawa State, Nigeria)Not only to my Nigerians, people around the world, should also emulate this patriotic and humanized mine.
20-03-2011(FRANCE)A good lesson of courage and tenacity. When you strongly belive in something, it's worth to go ahaed.
20-03-2011SUNNY(USA)I CANNOT DOWNLOAD SOME OF THE STORIES THESEDAYS. WHAT'S THE MATTER?
20-03-2011English tips(Brazil)The best English content I ever seen, thank you, VOA to promote Education overseas.
20-03-2011Maki(Japan)She appeared to have a strong will for improving women's status and those for poor. Her cloud of curls and large glasses on the photos is striking to me. I fell again the importance of education. If you get an education, as long as you work hard, you'll have a chance to find your way. It was an encouraging story. Thank you.
21-03-2011lcl(Vietnam)The best woman i have ever heard.
21-03-2011I cannot download MP3 file - PLEASE fix a problem
21-03-2011German(Bogota Colombia)This is it best that I found on the web, I am studying english and this is help very much.Thank you.regards
21-03-2011German(Bogota Colombia)This is it best that I found on the web, I am studying english and this is help very much.Thank you.regards
21-03-2011Jose Luis(Mexico)Very interesting topic. Thank you !!!
21-03-2011Po(China)"exclusion or inclusion we will choose inclusion because that’s what America is suppose to be.” From this I can see that Ms Chisholm is much open- minded and more a brave man.
21-03-2011vannisa(china)i like this women,she is my hero!
21-03-2011Nasimul Schiju(Bangladesh)That is why Americans are different from other nations. long live America.
21-03-2011KIKA(SPAIN)I envy this kind of person. She fought to achive her goal.It′s a good thing we have people like this
21-03-2011Alex Smirnov(Russia)Shirley Chisholm was an unordinary person.
22-03-2011chang(south korea)Exclusion and inclusion. Ameria choosed inclusion about immigrant. black preson, and womon. I want my contry choose inclusion.
22-03-2011Stefan Zhan(China)Show my respect to her.Thanks VOA.More great man's life story would be highly appreciated.
22-03-2011lisa(china)a great woman
22-03-2011gabriel(mejico ,but l live on colton ca)thanks is very good for my. so long.
22-03-2011jerry(china)as a brave wome
22-03-2011Andrew(zwdsdff)when the powerful l voice with“I am not the candidate of black America, although I am black and proud... ... I am the candidate of the people.” I am deeply touched by this wonderful American Woman. We do not have anyone who dear to say a word about the government or the system, and that is what make us weak and small. Many thanks for VOA English learning.
22-03-2011Violet(Chian)Shirley Chisholm is a great woman, who make a deep impression on me" She wanted to be remembered as a brave person, a person who created change"
22-03-2011good
22-03-2011Karen Tseng(Taiwan)Ms. Chisholm's voice as well as her looks are so fascinating. I hope one day my voice can be as strong and determined as hers. This is really an inspiring story. Thank you!
22-03-2011penny(Taiwan)This is the first time I heard about Shirley Chisholm. I like it.
22-03-2011thanks
22-03-2011SWS(USA)the story is lovely, but leaves out the Unbought and Unbossed was re-released just last year!
22-03-2011Haydar(Turkiye)She really knew how to bespeak. Now I know there was a brave woman who fought for all people of America.
23-03-2011Kimihiko(Japan)this pregram is so wonderful!! thanks for a lot.
23-03-2011Carol(Taiwan)encouraging, touching and impressive. i love it.
23-03-2011Bruno(France)I didn't know Shirley Chisholm, she was really improve in her country.
24-03-2011slow(vietnam)A special women. I admire her very much.
25-03-2011ehab(Iraq)She was a unique woman .
26-03-2011Susumu(Japan)For long time, I didn't read the specail eglish articles. Now I've realized again how good it is to improve my skills. There is no way you don't use this program.
27-03-2011Linda(Cambodia)Thanks,It is very good to learn English as well as learn from the good people in America.
Post Your Comment* RequiredYour Name(Optional)Your Country(Optional)
Your Message(Limit 500 characters)*
By using this form you agree to the following: All comments will be reviewed before posting. Be aware - not all submissions will be posted. VOA has the right to use your comments worldwide in any VOA produced media.Terms & Conditions Listen: Hear or download this story
MP3Email This Article?Print This Article?Comment on This Article?Learn English!
Click on The Classroom to improve your English skills.
MoreEnglish Lessons!
English lessons for beginner, intermediate and advanced English speakers.
More>Japan Earthquake and Tsunami
Get the latest reports from VOA News
Share With Your Friends
Start your own VOA Learning English Group
VOA60Watch one minute of world news (updated Monday-Friday) or listen to a 30-minute broadcast of VOA?Special English from today | VOA News home
Blogging
The Student UnionA VOA blog about studying in the US
More ?goEnglish.me
Learn American EnglishLearning tools for Chinese, Persian and Russian speakers
More ? Most E-mailed in Last 24 HoursAmerican History: Roosevelt Wins in 1936Elizabeth Taylor, 1932-2011: She Was an Actress and an ActivistMicrosoft Says Google Blocks Competition in Europe Search MarketWords and Their Stories: Proverbs About How to LiveIn Ivory Coast, the Great Cost of Conflict Most Viewed in Last 24 HoursIn Ivory Coast, the Great Cost of ConflictElizabeth Taylor, 1932-2011: She Was an Actress and an ActivistMicrosoft Says Google Blocks Competition in Europe Search MarketAmerican History: Roosevelt Wins in 1936Children at US School Show Their Support for Victims in Japan
VOANews:Special EnglishProgramsThe ClassroomAbout UsWeb Services:PodcastsRSSMobileNewsletter SubscriptionWebcastsAbout VOANews.com:Terms of Use and Privacy NoticeBroadcasting Board of GovernorsLink to UsContact usJob Opportunities 
没有评论:
发表评论