NAAM’s Freedom Day celebrates history, culture, equity, and freedom while highlighting the importance of sharing these ideals with ALL members of our community. Freedom Day is a FREE admission day at NAAM offered once a month that provides a variety of community activities, museum activations, and programs for individuals and families of all ages to enjoy at no cost. NAAM uses Freedom Day to spotlight significant and sometimes lesser known moments throughout history that have worked to advance freedom for all.
Join NAAM for Freedom Day on November 30
As we honor the 100th birthday of Shirley Chisholm—a trailblazer who broke barriers and redefined political representation—we’ll reflect on her legacy of resilience and examine how her work inspires continued efforts toward equity. This Freedom Day will feature a compelling fireside chat with local changemakers, centered on the “glass cliff” a phenomenon that focuses on the unique challenges faced by Black women in leadership. By focusing on Chisholm’s impact, we aim to highlight the ongoing journey for equity and representation and inspire dialogue on the role of Black women in driving change.
The 100th Birthday of Shirley Chisholm | November 30, 1924
Born Shirley Anita St. Hill, Shirley Chisholm was born on November 30, 1924, in Brooklyn, New York City. Shirley Chisholm's legacy is a beacon of courage, resilience, and progress. As the first African American woman elected to Congress, she shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for others to follow. Her presidential campaign in 1972, under the slogan "Unbought and Unbossed," challenged the status quo and pushed the boundaries of political possibility for women and minorities.
Chisholm's relentless advocacy for social justice, education, and economic opportunities has had a lasting impact on American society. She fought tirelessly for the rights of the marginalized and disenfranchised, championing legislation that aimed to create a more equitable and inclusive society.
Her work laid the groundwork for subsequent civil rights advancements and inspired generations of leaders to continue the fight for freedom and equality.
Her legacy is seen in the growing diversity in political representation and the ongoing efforts to address systemic injustices. Chisholm's life and career remind us of the power of perseverance and the importance of challenging inequities wherever they exist. She showed that one person's courage and vision could ignite change and advance the cause of freedom for all. The lives and legacies of Shirley Chisholm and Mamie Till-Mobley intersect through their courage, determination, and enduring impact on the fight for justice, representation, and empowerment within the African American community. Although they pursued different paths, both women confronted systemic racism head-on, using their platforms to demand accountability, representation, and equity for Black people in America.
