January 25, 1972

BROOKLYN ANNOUNCEMENT
Shirley Chisholm at podium waving and smiling, clapping crowd.

I stand before you today as a candidate for the Democratic nomination for the Presidency of the United States of America. (Clapping.)

I am not the candidate of black America, although I am black and proud.” Clapping.
I am not the candidate of the women’s movement of this country, although I am a woman, and I am equally proud of that.” Clapping.

I am not the candidate of any political bosses or fat cats or special interests.” (Clapping. cheers).

I stand here now without endorsements from many big name politicians or celebrities or any other kind of prop. I do not intend to offer to you the tired and glib clichés, which for too long have been an accepted part of our political life. I am the candidate of the people of America. And my presence before you now symbolizes a new era in American political history.