New York (January 3, 2005)? Shirley Chisholm, the former Congresswoman from Brooklyn, New York and Presidential contender, represented the best of the American spirit. She possessed a keen intellect, a determined independent-mindedness, and an unshakable commitment to public service. Those qualities steeled her for the path-breaking career she forged in politics?first, when in 1968 she stood up to the Brooklyn Democratic machine and upset two favored contenders to become the first African-American woman to win election to Congress. There, she quickly showed her fearlessness was not simply an election gimmick, fighting for assignments to urban-focused Congressional committees where she could best fight for the interests of her constituents. In 1972, Chisholm roiled the national political waters by becoming the first woman to campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination. The National Urban League was fortunate to have screened at its annual conference last July filmmaker Shola Lynch?s new documentary recounting this extraordinary woman?s extraordinary public career. The documentary, ?Chisholm ?72: Unbought and Unbossed,? which airs on Public Service Broadcasting stations next month, is a gripping exploration of the stubborn obstacles Chisholm had to overcome as a female as well as black politician at a time when the national political arena was still largely closed to both women and African Americans. In hindsight, her substantive political achievements during her seven terms in Congress and her inner fire shine even brighter. The life work of Shirley Chisholm made America a better place for all Americans. She remains a beacon for all who believe in the American Dream.