Happy 88th Birthday, Shirley Chisholm!: 15 Of The Most Inspiring Women Of Color In Politics (Michelle Obama, Susan Rice & More)

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Could you run for President of the United States? Well, Shirley Chisholm did. She was the first African American woman to run for the Democratic Party, which is still no small feat, even in the age of President Barack Obama. She’s a true pioneer, considering African Americans and women didn’t even have the right to vote in the early portion of the 20th century. Chisholm was a seven term Congresswoman for New York’s 12th district and was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus. Today we celebrate what would have been the late politician’s 88th birthday.
Looking for a little inspiration to get through your Friday?
Check out 15 of the most inspiring women of color who helped change American politics.

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The ambassador

The ambassador of a small African nation chanced to visit Russia, and was entertained by his opposite number, the Russian ambassador. For three days, the African ambassador was wined, dined, and generally treated to the best hospitality that Russia had to offer.
On the final day of his visit, the Russian ambassador said, “As your stay is coming to an end, it is time for you to play our traditional game, Russian roulette. One of the six chambers of this gun is loaded. You spin the cylinder, point the gun at your head, and pull the trigger.”
This phased the African slightly, but he was a proud man of a warrior people, and to show fear would be unthinkable. Both men took their guns, spun the cylinders, and then pulled the triggers. 
Both chambers were empty, and both ambassadors breathed a sigh of relief. The African ambassador was very impressed with the courageous game, and thought hard about the subject before the Russian Ambassador was due to visit his country the next year.
A year later, the African ambassador treated the Russian with all hospitality, until the final day of his stay. Leading him to a private room in the palace, the African ambassador spoke, “Now it is time for you to sample our game, African roulette.” So saying, he led the Russian into the room where the only occupants were six beautiful, naked women.
The African ambassador said, “These women are the most beautiful members of one of our tribes. Any one of them will give you a blowjob. Take your pick.”
The Russian was not entirely averse to this idea, but he couldn’t see the connection with Russian Roulette. He said, “Well, great, but where’s the roulette part? Where’s the danger?”
With a big grin on his face, the African ambassador answered, “One of them’s a cannibal.”

Three women were in the waiting room of a gynecologist

Three women were in the waiting room of a gynecologist, and each of them was knitting a sweater for their baby-to-be. The first one stopped and took a pill. “What was that?” The others asked her.
“Oh, it was Vitamin C – I want my baby to be healthy.” A few minutes later, another woman took a pill. “What was that?” the others asked.  “Oh, it was iron – I want my baby to be big and strong.”
They continued knitting. Finally the third woman took a pill. “What was that?” the others asked her. “It was Thalidomide,” she said, “I just can’t get the arms right on this fucking sweater!”