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A Seat at the Table: The Life and Times of Shirley Chisholm
When Shirley Chisholm was asked why she would dare run for president, her response was, why not her?
Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm rose from being the child of immigrants to the United States to running for the highest office in the land. Her achievement in doing this as a Black woman was not in spite of her background but rather because of it. She became both the first African American woman elected to the US Congress and the first female African American of a major political party to make a serious run for president of the United States.
She persevered by being steadfast in her political convictions and unwillingness to compromise on the issues she believed in. Chisholm directly challenged the political establishment and was successful because she galvanized women, minorities, young people, and the poor not only in her home district in Brooklyn, New York, but across the country.
She was that catalyst for change who gave a political voice to so many segments of society who were, up until that time, women, minorities, the young, members of the gay community, domestic and agricultural workers, and the poor. Her run for the presidency in 1972 was a win in terms of her forging a unified grassroots campaign in which the voices of the previously voiceless joined together for a single cause of voting for someone who supported their diverse but collective interests.
As many historians have pointed out, without Shirley Chisholm there may not have been a Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, or Kamala Harris.
Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm rose from being the child of immigrants to the United States to running for the highest office in the land. Her achievement in doing this as a Black woman was not in spite of her background but rather because of it. She became both the first African American woman elected to the US Congress and the first female African American of a major political party to make a serious run for president of the United States.
She persevered by being steadfast in her political convictions and unwillingness to compromise on the issues she believed in. Chisholm directly challenged the political establishment and was successful because she galvanized women, minorities, young people, and the poor not only in her home district in Brooklyn, New York, but across the country.
She was that catalyst for change who gave a political voice to so many segments of society who were, up until that time, women, minorities, the young, members of the gay community, domestic and agricultural workers, and the poor. Her run for the presidency in 1972 was a win in terms of her forging a unified grassroots campaign in which the voices of the previously voiceless joined together for a single cause of voting for someone who supported their diverse but collective interests.
As many historians have pointed out, without Shirley Chisholm there may not have been a Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, or Kamala Harris.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published March 19, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 24, 2024
It’s great to see Shirley Chisholm getting so much recognition. Between the upcoming biopic, and the publication of this book—which details her rise from local activist/ teacher to congress to presidential candidate—more people will come to know about the force Chisholm was during her time.
This book, as earlier stated, details Chisholm’s decision to enter the political arena. She was tired of seeing politicians do nothing for her district so she took it upon herself to enact the changes necessary—starting with winning the vacated seat in the New York State Assembly.
From there, it didn’t take long for people to see Chisholm was a force to be reckoned with; she didn’t take “guff” off of anyone.
After she made waves in the State Assembly. She set her sights on congress.
You’re able to see the path of resistance she chose in defying the political norms of playing the game—allowing backdoor deals and greased palms pave the way for the next candidate—in favor of a more grassroots effort.
Shirley was by the people and for the people. She took to the streets and made her presence felt where is mattered most—among her constituency. She was rewarded for her efforts and never looked back from that point on.
One of the more interesting parts of the book talks about how Shirley had to, at times, fight with those of her own race—simply because they didn’t feel a Black woman was capable of doing the job; often times, Black women would toe the same line.
Undeterred, Shirley remained an outspoken advocate for those with the smallest voices: the poor, children, immigrants, and the LGBTQIA+ community.
She was fearless in making sure she set forth policies that were sure to help those who needed it most. Many of which are still in place today.
The book, of course, also goes into great detail about her presidential run but the main takeaway is the fierce passion Chisholm had for doing right by those who are often on the wrong side of political decisions. She never wavered in her desire to fight for those who couldn’t always fight for themselves.
Overall, this is a marvelous way to introduce yourself to Shirley Chisholm. Highly recommend.
Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the Advanced ebook.
This book, as earlier stated, details Chisholm’s decision to enter the political arena. She was tired of seeing politicians do nothing for her district so she took it upon herself to enact the changes necessary—starting with winning the vacated seat in the New York State Assembly.
From there, it didn’t take long for people to see Chisholm was a force to be reckoned with; she didn’t take “guff” off of anyone.
After she made waves in the State Assembly. She set her sights on congress.
You’re able to see the path of resistance she chose in defying the political norms of playing the game—allowing backdoor deals and greased palms pave the way for the next candidate—in favor of a more grassroots effort.
Shirley was by the people and for the people. She took to the streets and made her presence felt where is mattered most—among her constituency. She was rewarded for her efforts and never looked back from that point on.
One of the more interesting parts of the book talks about how Shirley had to, at times, fight with those of her own race—simply because they didn’t feel a Black woman was capable of doing the job; often times, Black women would toe the same line.
Undeterred, Shirley remained an outspoken advocate for those with the smallest voices: the poor, children, immigrants, and the LGBTQIA+ community.
She was fearless in making sure she set forth policies that were sure to help those who needed it most. Many of which are still in place today.
The book, of course, also goes into great detail about her presidential run but the main takeaway is the fierce passion Chisholm had for doing right by those who are often on the wrong side of political decisions. She never wavered in her desire to fight for those who couldn’t always fight for themselves.
Overall, this is a marvelous way to introduce yourself to Shirley Chisholm. Highly recommend.
Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the Advanced ebook.
March 12, 2025
You could take Shirley Chisholm right out of 1972 and place her in an election today and she would still be groundbreaking, even by today’s standards.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews