Chisholm Jordan Institute
In effort to amplify the legislative and political power of Black and underserved communities, D4 Women in Action created an institute to increase justice through greater political awareness, civic engagement, and involvement in public affairs for women of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and other viable women candidates.
The Chisholm Jordan Institute was developed to train Black women to run for office and appointment.
ABOUT US
The Chisholm Jordan Institute is the vehicle through which Delta 4 Women in Action identifies, trains, endorses and supports black women seeking office. It is named in honor of two extraordinary trailblazers – Shirley Chisholm and Barbara Jordan – whose historic contributions to American politics has paved the way for future office holders.
MISSION
We provide high quality coaching and training programs and informational workshops that encourage, train and support Black women and women of color to become involved in the legislative and political process, run for office and accept political appointments.
Shirley Chisholm (November 30, 1924 – January 1, 2005) became the first African American woman elected to the United States Congress in 1968. She represented New York’s 12th congressional district for seven terms from 1969 to 1983.
In 1972, she became the first black candidate for a major-party nomination for president of the United States, and the first woman to run for the Democratic Party’s nomination. She retired from Congress in 1983 and taught at Mount Holyoke College while continuing her political organizing.
In 2015, Chisholm was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Barbara Jordan (February 21, 1936 – January 17, 1996) was the first African American elected to the Texas Senate after Reconstruction and the first southern African American woman elected to the United States House of Representatives. Jordan is known for her eloquent opening statement at the House Judiciary Committee hearings during the impeachment process against Richard Nixon.
In 1976, she became the first African American, and the first woman, to ever deliver a keynote address at a Democratic National Convention. Jordan retired from politics in 1979 and became an adjunct professor teaching ethics at the University of Texas at Austin Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs.
She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the NAACP presented her with the Spingarn Medal in 1994.
THE CHISHOLM JORDAN CURRICULUM
The CJI curriculum prepares women considering elected office from decision to election day. The Institute’s goal is to increase the number of Black women and women of color in elected office at all levels of government. We focus on the following core competencies within the curriculum:
- Preparing to Run
- Building a Campaign
- Fundraising
- Field Operation
- Communications
UPCOMING EVENTS
Workshop: Chisholm Jordan Institute Training
Location: Delta Days at the Nation’s Capital
Date: March 25, 2023
Registration Link