Read the selection and choose the best answer to each question.

Fighting Shirley Chisholm

by Karmetria Benard

1 Have you ever dreamed of doing something that other people said you couldn't do? Do you have goals that others think are impossible? Shirley Chisholm, an educator and political leader, faced these same obstacles, but she refused to let anyone stop her. She made history as the first Black congresswoman and was the first Black person to run for president of the United States. No challenge or fight was too big for Shirley. She always stood up for what she believed in, and her legacy continues to be an inspiration for women and men around the world who are fighting for change.

2 Shirley was born on November 30, 1924, in Brooklyn, New York. Both of her parents came to the United States from other countries. Her father was from Guyana, and her mother was from Barbados. Shirley grew up during a time when many families did not have a lot of money. Her parents wanted the best for their daughters, so they sent Shirley and her sisters to live with their grandmother in Barbados. There, Shirley learned to read and write. She also learned to be confident in herself. Later, when speaking of her grandmother, Shirley said, "Granny gave me strength, dignity, and love. I learned from an early age that I was somebody."

3 Several years later, Shirley left the island of Barbados and returned to Brooklyn to live with her parents. Back home, she experienced firsthand how unfairly poor people were treated. Although life wasn't easy, Shirley knew that she could do anything she wanted if she worked hard. After finishing high school, Shirley went to Brooklyn College, where she won prizes on the debate team. Her professors were impressed with how well she was able to argue her side during discussions. In fact, they told Shirley that she should try a career in politics, but she knew that many people did not believe that Black women could be leaders who could make a difference in their community.

4 After Shirley graduated from Brooklyn College, she started working as a preschool teacher. During this time, she went back to school and earned a master's degree in elementary education from Columbia University. Now an expert in education and childcare, Shirley advocated for better schools for children by speaking up for families and fighting for change.

Unbought and Unbossed

5 Shirley knew she wanted to do more to help her community. It was not surprising when she became involved in politics in Brooklyn. She joined groups to help elect people who were fighting to make life better for everyone. Soon after, Shirley realized she could help others by running for office too. After winning and becoming a representative in the New York state government, Shirley worked hard to improve the lives of people and families.

6 Shirley's desire to make a difference didn't stop there. She decided she wanted to take on a bigger challenge and chose to run for Congress to help people all over the United States. Shirley knew that it would take hard work to win. To earn as many votes as possible, she went around her neighborhood, handing out flyers, posting signs, and asking people, especially women, to vote for her. She told voters, "I'm Fighting Shirley Chisholm," and "I'm unbought and unbossed!" This meant that she would not take money from others, and no one could control her actions.

Dreaming Big

7 In 1968, Shirley's hard work paid off, and she won the election! She became the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress. She kept fighting for working people, women, and children. After a few years, Shirley realized she could do even more: she could run for president of the United States of America.

8 Although she made history again by becoming the first Black person to run for president, Shirley did not earn enough votes to win the election. This did not stop her from continuing to fight. Throughout her life, Shirley was a leader who didn't let challenges keep her from following her dreams. Her legacy of bravery and fighting for what is right continues to inspire women and Black people to do what others believe is impossible.

Which sentence from the selection best relates to the main idea?

Select one:

A.

Shirley grew up during a time when many families did not have a lot of money. (paragraph 2)

B.

Although she made history again by becoming the first Black person to run for president, Shirley did not earn enough votes to win the election. (paragraph 8)

C.

She made history as the first Black congresswoman and was the first Black person to run for president of the United States. (paragraph 1)

D.

Throughout her life, Shirley was a leader who didn't let challenges keep her from following her dreams. (paragraph 8)