ABSTRACT
Shirley Chisholm began thinking about the possibility of a presidential run as early as 1969. As the sixties drew to a close and a new decade began, conditions seemed very promising for an outspoken supporter of the urban liberal social justice agenda. First and foremost, Chisholm was much attuned to the social movements of the young and their impact on the rest of US society. Chisholm stood alone as a national black elected official in her public support for black militants. Chisholm's support for militants and militancy was always within the confines of the political system. Chisholm, who learned from her father the importance of labor-and trade-union struggles, was very sympathetic to changes taking place among working-class youth. Chisholm was considering a presidential run at a time when groups were organizing to increase the number of black as well as female voters and elected officials.
