190+ Shirley Chisholm Quotes on Courage, Justice & Change

Shirley Chisholm quotes the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress and the first to seek a major party’s nomination for President, was a fearless trailblazer whose words continue to inspire generations. Her quotes reflect her courage, determination, and unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and public service. Whether speaking on civil rights, feminism, education, or political reform, Chisholm’s voice carried the power of truth and action. Her famous sayings—such as “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair”—remain relevant today, urging individuals to stand firm in their convictions and advocate for meaningful change.

Shirley Chisholm Quotes

“I am, and always will be, a catalyst for change.”
“You don’t make progress by standing on the sidelines.”
“I want to be remembered as a woman who dared.”
“Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth.”
“Tremendous amounts of talent are being lost to our society just because that talent wears a skirt.”
“You can’t have a revolution with grace and etiquette.”
“I’m not the candidate of Black America, although I am Black and proud.”
“I have no intention of just sitting quietly and observing.”
“In the end, anti-Black, anti-female, and all forms of discrimination are equivalent.”
“I ran because somebody had to do it first.”

Shirley Chisholm Quotes and Sayings

“If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.”
“Defeat should not be the source of discouragement, but a stimulus to keep plotting.”
“Rhetoric and idealism alone won’t change the world.”
“My greatest political asset is my mouth.”
“I don’t measure America by its achievement but by its potential.”
“I am not afraid of losing—what I’m afraid of is not trying.”
“To label me is to negate me.”
“Prejudice and hate will never make our nation strong.”
“Freedom is an endless horizon, and there are many roads that lead to it.”
“A woman’s place is in the House… and the Senate.”

Shirley Chisholm Quotes – Seat at the Table

“If they don’t give you a seat, bring your own folding chair.”
“A seat at the table means more than presence—it means power.”
“I brought my chair. Now let’s get to work.”
“You belong in every room where decisions are made.”
“Inclusion isn’t a gift; it’s a right.”
“The table needs more than voices—it needs equity.”
“Bring your chair, but speak your truth.”
“Don’t wait to be asked to sit—show up.”
“Representation matters. Make room.”
“Every table needs the voices of the unheard.”

Shirley Chisholm Quotes on Education

“Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom.”
“Ignorance is the greatest threat to justice.”
“Books and learning open every locked door.”
“Invest in minds, and you invest in the future.”
“Without education, we limit our power.”
“Educate a child and change the world.”
“Knowledge is power—and freedom.”
“Teachers are the architects of democracy.”
“Schools shape the future of a nation.”
“Every child deserves the tools to dream.”

Shirley Chisholm Folding Chair Meaning Quotes

“The folding chair means self-worth, not waiting for permission.”
“Bring your chair—demand your space.”
“A folding chair is a symbol of resistance.”
“It means creating your own opportunity.”
“Folding chairs say: I will not be excluded.”
“The chair is not just for sitting—it’s for leading.”
“Show up, stand firm, sit proud.”
“A folding chair is how we break barriers.”
“It’s not the table—it’s your presence that changes the room.”
“Fold it out, speak up, and never fold under pressure.”

Inspirational Shirley Chisholm Quotes

“I was not meant to be silent.”
“Dare to be different. Dare to stand alone.”
“Change comes when we challenge fear.”
“Do something because it’s right—not because it’s easy.”
“Use your voice—even if it shakes.”
“History remembers those who act.”
“The future belongs to the bold.”
“Dream big, speak loudly, act justly.”
“You are enough to make a difference.”
“Be the first, and don’t be the last.”

Famous Shirley Chisholm Quotes

“If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.”
“Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth.”
“I want to be remembered as a woman who dared to be herself.”
“You don’t make progress by standing on the sidelines.”
“Tremendous talent is lost to society because it wears a skirt.”
“I am unbought and unbossed.”
“Being the first means clearing a path.”
“I never ran for fame—I ran for change.”
“To be visible is to be powerful.”
“I didn’t come to play. I came to lead.”

Shirley Chisholm Quotes – Service Is the Rent

“Service is the rent we pay for living.”
“Giving back is the cost of being here.”
“We exist to uplift others.”
“Serve first, ask later.”
“If you’re not serving, you’re not living.”
“We owe the world our effort.”
“Lift others as rent for your space on Earth.”
“True leadership begins with service.”
“Contribution is the cost of existence.”
“Don’t just live—serve.”

Shirley Chisholm Quotes for Kids

“Believe in your voice.”
“You can be the first to do anything.”
“Stand up, even when you’re small.”
“Your ideas matter.”
“Be bold. Be kind. Be brave.”
“Bring your own chair and speak your truth.”
“Learning is your superpower.”
“Girls can lead, too.”
“Always ask questions.”
“Dream like you’ll change the world.”

Shirley Chisholm Quotes – Folding Chair

“I never waited for a seat—I brought a chair.”
“The folding chair is power in action.”
“Carry your voice like you carry your chair.”
“That chair wasn’t for comfort—it was for justice.”
“Don’t beg for a seat—bring your own.”
“The folding chair opened the door for many.”
“Equality starts with presence.”
“Sit strong, speak louder.”
“A folding chair is a declaration.”
“The chair is a symbol—so is your courage.”

Motivational Shirley Chisholm Quotes

“You don’t make progress by standing on the sidelines.”
“I ran because someone had to pave the way.”
“Be as bold as the first step toward change.”
“Success means pushing past fear.”
“If you want change, be the change.”
“Take your seat. Speak your truth.”
“Go for what’s right, not what’s easy.”
“Fight for your place in the world.”
“Lead with courage, not approval.”
“You are powerful enough to challenge history.”

Shirley Chisholm Quotes on Discrimination

“Prejudice is ignorance in disguise.”
“Discrimination limits our collective potential.”
“I fight not just for me, but for those unheard.”
“I faced double discrimination—race and gender.”
“Being Black and a woman taught me resilience.”
“Racism and sexism are twin barriers to equality.”
“I didn’t let discrimination define my path.”
“Bias is no excuse for silence.”
“Challenge hate with presence and voice.”
“Discrimination must be met with determination.”

Feminism Shirley Chisholm Quotes

“A woman’s place is in the House—and the Senate.”
“This nation has never valued women as it should.”
“Tremendous talent is lost just because it wears a skirt.”
“I am not a symbol—I am a force.”
“Feminism means fighting for equality for all.”
“To be female and Black is a double fight.”
“I’m not afraid to be a woman who leads.”
“Speak out—even when your voice shakes.”
“Equality has no gender.”
“Don’t shrink to fit spaces you’ve outgrown.”

Shirley Chisholm Quotes on Voting

“Voting is the key to justice.”
“If you don’t vote, you silence yourself.”
“Ballots build power.”
“Change begins at the voting booth.”
“Vote like your future depends on it—it does.”
“Use your vote to break the system, not stay in it.”
“Your voice counts most when cast.”
“The vote is your folding chair at the table.”
“Power lies in participation.”
“Voting is a revolutionary act.”

Shirley Chisholm Quotes on Service

“Service is the rent we pay for living.”
“If you exist, you owe something to others.”
“Giving back is our greatest duty.”
“We serve to uplift, not to be praised.”
“A life of service is a life of value.”
“Real leaders serve first.”
“No progress without contribution.”
“Justice begins with service.”
“Service isn’t charity—it’s responsibility.”
“We rise by serving each other.”

Inspiring Shirley Chisholm Quotes

“I want to be remembered as a woman who dared.”
“Being the first means clearing the path for others.”
“Your life must be your message.”
“Speak truth—even when it’s risky.”
“Injustice thrives in silence.”
“Change is possible—if you demand it.”
“You were born to stand out.”
“Never let others define your worth.”
“Don’t wait for permission to lead.”
“Inspire by doing, not just dreaming.”

Shirley Chisholm Quotes – Unbought and Unbossed

“I am unbought and unbossed.”
“No one owns my voice.”
“I don’t answer to gatekeepers.”
“Independence is my identity.”
“They couldn’t buy my silence.”
“Power doesn’t mean obedience.”
“I followed my principles, not politics.”
“I represent people, not parties.”
“Being unbossed means being unstoppable.”
“You can’t buy integrity.”

Shirley Chisholm Quotes – Chair

“Bring your own chair and your own voice.”
“That folding chair is a symbol of power.”
“Don’t beg for a seat—bring one.”
“Pull up your chair and join the fight.”
“The chair stands for courage and action.”
“I came with a chair—and a purpose.”
“Seats aren’t given; they’re taken.”
“A chair is just the beginning—use your voice.”
“Chairs don’t define you—action does.”
“Every room needs the courage to bring a chair.”

Black Shirley Chisholm Quotes – Chair

“As a Black woman, I brought my own chair.”
“The chair is resistance wrapped in steel.”
“Being Black and bringing a chair breaks barriers.”
“My chair was never optional—it was necessary.”
“Black voices belong at every table.”
“The chair meant Black presence in white spaces.”
“Folded chairs, open minds.”
“A chair doesn’t ask permission.”
“It wasn’t just a seat—it was a statement.”
“I brought a chair and history followed.”

Black Shirley Chisholm Quotes

“I’m Black, I’m female, and I’m proud.”
“I won’t let being Black be used against me.”
“They saw my skin before my strength—but I kept going.”
“Black women belong in power.”
“My presence is political.”
“I ran to show what’s possible for Black girls.”
“Being Black meant fighting every step—but I never stopped.”
“Black leaders don’t wait—they act.”
“I am the voice for the unheard Black community.”
“Black isn’t a barrier—it’s a badge.”

Conclusion

Shirley Chisholm’s legacy lives on through her powerful and timeless words. Her quotes serve as guiding principles for those who dare to challenge injustice, speak up for the marginalized, and lead with authenticity and courage. From classrooms to Congress, her voice championed equality, education, and empowerment. As we reflect on her most memorable quotes, we are reminded that bold action, integrity, and service are the foundations of real progress. Shirley Chisholm was truly “unbought and unbossed”—and through her words, she continues to ignite passion, drive change, and inspire future leaders to claim their rightful place at the table.