Growing up as a Black girl in grade school, I hated history. I was never in the history books. Though I didn't know it at the time, Shirley Chisholm was also missing from those pages. She was a pioneer, a trailblazer, and a symbol of empowerment for women and people of color. Her story, often overlooked in mainstream narratives, is finally getting the spotlight it deserves with the release of the biopic Shirley on Netflix.
Shirley Chisholm made history as the first Black woman elected to Congress in 1968. She represented New York's 12th Congressional District and was a fierce advocate for civil rights, women's rights, and social justice. In 1972, she made another groundbreaking move by becoming the first Black candidate to seek a major party's nomination for President of the United States.
The former U.S. representative from New York “highlighted the possibilities that exist,” one woman says, “but there's still more work to be done.” Shirley Chisholm's legacy continues to inspire and empower generations of women and people of color to strive for greatness and break down barriers in politics and society.
Regina King delivers a powerful performance as Shirley Chisholm in the film, capturing her strength, resilience, and unwavering commitment to fighting for equality and justice. The movie shines a light on Chisholm's historic presidential campaign and the challenges she faced as a Black woman in a predominantly white, male-dominated political arena.
Netflix's release of the biopic Shirley is well-timed to highlight inspiration and empowerment for Women's History Month. The film serves as a reminder of the importance of representation in politics and the need for diverse voices to be heard and valued in leadership positions.
To damn by faint praise: Shirley is a perfectly serviceable film. John Ridley's docudrama about Shirley Chisholm's trailblazing but often overlooked legacy is a poignant reminder of the progress that has been made and the work that still lies ahead in the fight for equality and justice.
Actress and director Regina King took a hiatus from Hollywood following a personal tragedy. She's back with “Shirley” — and is just getting started. King's passion for telling powerful, impactful stories shines through in her portrayal of Shirley Chisholm, a true American hero whose legacy continues to inspire and empower future generations.
