New York, August 31, 2005--- Congressman Ed Towns (D-NY) will host a tribute for the late Congresswoman Shirley A. Chisholm on Friday, September 9, 2005, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Good Tidings Gospel Chapel, 345 Malcolm X Boulevard (corner of Fulton Street), Brooklyn, New York 11233.  The community acknowledgement will honor Mrs. Chisholm's life and legacy.

Mrs. Chisholm was a New York icon and committed public servant. She was born in Brooklyn, on November 30, 1924, attended Brooklyn College, and earned a Master's degree from Columbia University.  In 1968, Mrs. Chisholm became the first African-American woman to be elected to Congress where she served for seven consecutive terms.  In 1972, she became the first African American to seriously run for President of the United States.

"The members of her community are forever grateful for her trailblazing efforts," Congressman Towns said.  "Shirley opened the doors of opportunity for generations of women and minority politicians."

One such woman is Congresswoman Barbara Lee of the 9th Congressional District of California, who will be the guest speaker.

"Shirley Chisholm was a mentor and an inspiration to me," said Rep. Barbara Lee (D-California).  "I would never have gotten involved in politics if she had not run for President in 1972.  As a young African American woman, she offered me a reason to get involved in our democracy, and I will always be grateful for that inspiration."

Congressman Towns (D-NY), who succeeded Rep. Chisholm in Congress, highlighted the fact that "Shirley worked tirelessly to protect programs that supported women and children.  As a Member of Congress, she introduced legislation to establish publicly supported daycare centers and to extend unemployment insurance to domestic workers."

Consequently, it is only fitting that the tribute features a presentation by the children of the Shirley Chisholm Day Care Centers of Brooklyn.

During her congressional career, Mrs. Chisholm served on the House Education and Labor, Veterans Affairs and Rules Committees, where she passionately advocated for the rights of women, children, minorities, veterans, Haitian refugees and day workers. Mrs. Chisholm stood in staunch opposition to the Vietnam War and she was unmatched as a voice for social justice.

Mrs. Chisholm was a founding member of the Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues and the Congressional Black Caucus.  She was an active member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), founder of the Unity Democratic Club, and a Representative in the New York State Assembly (1964-68).

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Ruth J. Morrison

Communications Director

Office of Congressman Ed Towns (NY-10)

2232 Rayburn HOB

Washington, DC 20515

202-225-5936 (Tel)

202-225-1018 (fax)

Ruth.Morrison@mail.house.gov