She was blocked from participating in televised debates, faced opposition from African American male politicians and was even the target of assassination attempts.
Sadly, her bid was unsuccessful in the end and George McGovern secured the Democratic Presidential nomination, who was then defeated by Republican Richard Nixon to become president.
Chisholm remained in Congress until she left to care for her unwell husband, in 1982.
Following her career in politics, Chisholm returned to education, teaching politics and sociology.
Sadly, Chisholm died on January 1, 2005, after suffering several strokes.
In 2015, she was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
In 2019, the Shirley Chisholm State Park was opened in New York City.
Mrs America airs Wednesdays at 9pm on BBC Two