2021 Chisholm List
Higher Heights for America is proud to present our Shirley Chisholm 2021 Sisters to Watch List, which celebrates and recognizes 21 Black women who assumed control of American politics to become “architects of democracy” in 2021.
These 21 women not only have inspired future Black women politicians, but they also serve as the embodiment of decades of work that is now coming to fruition. At the same time, they are truly blazing new trails. They have boldly stepped off the sidelines and they are walking in the leadership legacy of Shirley Chisholm, a true maverick who 52 years ago was sworn in to become the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress.
Chisholm also entered office at a moment when our country was challenged by divisive ideologies and policies, but she refused to let these divisions detour her work to enact progressive policies that ensure civil and human rights opportunities for all Americans. So, in honor of Chisholm’s legacy, Higher Heights is proud to present this list that highlights Black women whose elected and appointed leadership will help shape and advance America’s political agenda.