I love America not for what she is, but for what she can become.

That I am a national figure because I was the first person in 192 years to be at once a congressman, black, and a woman proves, I would think, that our society is not yet either just or free.

Some members of Congress are among the best actors in the world.

At present, our country needs women's idealism and determination, perhaps more in politics than anywhere else.

You don't make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas.

Racism is so universal in this country, so widespread and deepseated, that it is invisible because it is so normal.

I’d like them to say that Shirley Chisholm had guts. That’s how I’d like to be remembered.