I have just come across a very interesting article about Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman elected to the United States Congress.

In 1972, Ms. Chisholm ran for president of the United States, the move that deserves a big round of applauds and adoration. It is truly inspiring for me to read about this strong and courageous woman who was not afraid to take the bold move and make her voice heard. Ms. Chisholm is famous for this phrase: “I am not the candidate of black America, although I am black and proud. 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. I am not the candidate of any political bosses or special interests. I am the candidate of the people.” This phrase illustrates her self-identification and stance in politics, which is particularly relevant for the current elections in the United States.

I wish all of us could find strength and courage to empower ourselves and women around us.

To read the full article, please click here.

Ann Richards, the former governor of the state of Texas in the US and the first woman elected to this office in her own right, is my hero. In politics and in life, she fought for those in need, won the respect of friends and foes, and overcame adversity; and all of this she did with a unique style, a fierce sense of humor and a continuing devotion to her family.

A self-described feminist, Ann Richards spent the first half of her adult life as a housewife; she took care of the home and raised her children. However, in 1976, with her husband's encouragement, she ran for county commissioner, a post she won. Although her marriage eventually ended, she continued to succeed in politics and was elected State Treasurer in 1982.

Once elected to head the state of Texas, she made it a priority as governor to appoint more women and minorities to state boards and commissions than any of her predecessors ever had. As the mother of two daughters, she was proud of the fact that she smashed gender barriers for a generation of Texas women pursuing professional careers. It was the "New Texas," she proclaimed. Other accomplishments during her term in office included insurance reform, a statewide performance review of government agencies, creation of an ethics commission and an effort to set up programs for prison inmates addicted to drugs or alcohol. She also lobbied for a state lottery.

At the 1998 Democratic Convention in the US, Ann Richards first spoke the now famous line, "Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did. She just did it backwards in high heels." It was also at this Convention that she gave her other famous line, ribbing the incumbent vice president of the US, George H. W. Bush. "Poor George," she drawled. "He can't help it. He was born with a silver foot in his mouth." These lines not only put Richards in the national spotlight, but taught the entire nation what a woman from Texas can be: feisty, creative, brilliant and invincible.

Unfortunately, Governor Richards died last year on September 13, 2006. She is sorely missed by friends, family and all those who counted her among their heroes.

Piper Stege Nelson