Chisholm, CHIHZ uhm, Shirley (1924-2005), became the first African American woman to serve in the United States Congress. Chisholm, a New York Democrat, was a member of the United States House of Representatives from 1969 to 1983. She served in the New York State Assembly from 1964 to 1968. Chisholm campaigned for, but did not win, the 1972 Democratic presidential nomination.