# Shirley Chisholm Congressional Gold Medal Act

Congress is awarding a special gold medal to honor Shirley Chisholm, a groundbreaking politician who passed away in 2005. This is a posthumous honor—meaning it's being given after her death—to recognize her historic achievements in American politics.

Shirley Chisholm was the first African American woman ever elected to Congress, serving from 1969 to 1982 representing Brooklyn. She was also the first Black candidate to run for the presidential nomination of a major political party in 1972. During her time in Congress, she was a vocal advocate for civil rights, women's rights, and helping poor communities. She also co-founded the National Organization for Women and was known for her independence and willingness to challenge the status quo, including her strong opposition to the Vietnam War.

The bill authorizes the Treasury Department to create a gold medal with Shirley Chisholm's image and accomplishments on it. After the medal is created, it will be given to the Smithsonian Institution, where it will be displayed in a museum and available for researchers to study. The bill also allows the Treasury to make and sell bronze copies of the medal to the public, with the proceeds covering the costs of production. This is a ceremonial honor with no direct financial impact on everyday Americans—it's simply Congress's way of officially recognizing Chisholm's important legacy in American history.

Shirley Chisholm Congressional Gold Medal Act

Lee, Barbara

Shirley Chisholm Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the posthumous presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal in commemoration of Shirley Chisholm, in recognition of her activism, independence, and groundbreaking achievements in politics, election as the first African American woman in Congress, and campaign to be the first African American to gain the nomination of a major political party for President of the United States. Following its award, the gold medal shall be given to the Smithsonian Institution where it shall be available for display and research.