“The Chisholm Effect” Featured a Panel of Former Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm’s Mentees and Contemporaries
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Brooklyn, NY –Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso yesterday hosted “The Chisholm Effect,” an event honoring the legacy of former Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, in partnership with the Brooklyn Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta. The evening celebration featured a panel – moderated by Deputy Borough President Reverend Kim Council – of the late Congresswoman’s peers. including former Congressman Ed Towns Jr. and former Assembly Member Annette Robinson. The two former legislators discussed their relationship with Congresswoman Chisholm and what aspiring public servants can learn from her legacy.
“Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm was the definition of a trailblazer whose story exemplifies our borough, and our country, at its best,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “Her legacy is an inspiration for current and future generations of public servants, and we have a responsibility to ensure her memory is strong and alive in Brooklyn. It is a great privilege to be joined by two legends of public service, former Congressman Ed Towns and former Assembly Member Annette Robinson, who helped to do just that by sharing their stories of their relationship with Congresswoman Chisholm. I’m so proud to bring Brooklynites together to honor one of the most exemplary Congressmembers to have served Brooklyn and our country with great distinction.”
“Soror Shirley Chisholm was initiated onto the Brooklyn Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc on January 29th, 1969,” said Brooklyn Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Kenya Johnson. “Soror Chisholm’s fearless nature had a strong dominoes effect on not only Black women, men and children, but on society.”
“Shirley Chisholm led by example,” said former Assembly Member Annette Robinson. “She showed me as a young Black woman that I could be a parent leader in Headstart, become a member of the community school board, a member of the state committee, and City Council Member and New York State Assembly Member. Additionally I served as Chief of Staff for Congressman Owen’s who also represented the 12th Congressional District.”
“The great Shirley Chisholm was a trailblazer, Brooklyn icon and fierce fighter for many of the same constituents I am privileged to represent. Her career laid the groundwork for myself and generations of Brooklyn elected officials to serve in leadership positions across our city, state and nation. We all stand on her incredibly broad shoulders,” said House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08). “I am grateful to Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Deputy President Kim Council, Congressman Ed Towns and Assemblywoman Annette Robinson for hosting and participating in this incredibly important event to celebrate her lasting legacy and to pass on some of the wisdom, expertise and guidance they learned from the great Shirley Chisholm.”
“Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm was a trailblazer and a Brooklyn hero,” said Council Member Chi Ossé. “Her legacy is one of strength, courage, and perseverance, and she continues to be an inspiration to people of all ages and backgrounds in Brooklyn and beyond. I thank Borough President Reynoso for hosting this event and celebrating her legacy.”
“Shirley Chisholm grew up just steps away from Brooklyn Children’s Museum, in the very neighborhood she would later champion in Congress,” said Atiba T. Edwards, President and CEO of Brooklyn Children’s Museum. “As the first Black woman elected to Congress and a presidential candidate, Chisholm was a force for change and stood for justice even when it wasn’t popular. Her legacy endures, and she remains an extraordinary role model for our museum’s young visitors and families. Hosting this event at BCM honors her deep commitment to early-childhood education and the values our Museum embodies every day.”