Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm was the first African American woman in Congress (1968) and the first woman and African American to seek the nomination for president of the United States from one of the two major political parties (1972). Her motto and title of her autobiography—Unbought and Unbossed—illustrates her outspoken advocacy for women and minorities during her seven terms in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Griot Vanessa Johnson performs in costume as Congresswoman Shirley Chisolm along with her band “The Matie Masie Ensemble”.  Hear excerpts from Chisholm’s Speeches, Interviews, and Voice Recordings, and Newspaper Articles. Join the band in singing songs created from her memorable quotes and life experiences in this Lively and Interactive Life Tell!

Free to attend. Doors open at 7:30pm.

This project is made possible through the CNY Arts Grants for Regional Arts and Cultural Engagement regrant program thanks to a New York State Senate Initiative supported by the NYS Legislature, the Office of the Governor and administered by the New York State Council on the Arts.

This event is made possible with a Tier Three Project Support grant from the County of Onondaga, with the support of County Executive Ryan McMahon and the Onondaga County Legislature, administered by CNY Arts.