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Shirley Chisholm: Catalyst for Change
A staunch proponent of breaking down racial and gender barriers, Shirley Chisholm had the esteemed privilege of being a pioneer in many aspects of her life. She was the first African American woman from Brooklyn elected to the New York State legislature and the first African American woman elected to Congress in 1968. She also made a run for the Democratic Party nomination for president in 1972. Focusing on Chisholm's lifelong advocacy for fair treatment, access to education, and equal pay for all American minority groups, this book explores the life of a remarkable woman in the context of twentieth-century urban America and the tremendous social upheaval that occurred after World War II. About the Lives of American Women Selected and edited by renowned women's historian Carol Berkin, these brief biographies are designed for use in undergraduate courses. Rather than a comprehensive approach, each biography focuses instead on a particular aspect of a woman's life that is emblematic of her time, or which made her a pivotal figure in the era. The emphasis is on a 'good read', featuring accessible writing and compelling narratives, without sacrificing sound scholarship and academic integrity. Primary sources at the end of each biography reveal the subject's perspective in her own words. Study questions and an annotated bibliography support the student reader.
208 pages, Paperback
First published November 5, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 13, 2018
I knew very little about Shirley Chisholm before I read this biography.
I'm now very impressed by her.
I'm now very impressed by her.
June 16, 2014
I remember Shirley Chisholm running for president when I was in kindergarten. I was so impressed and was sure things would be so different by the time I was a woman. I'm eager to read her story and learn more about her ideas beyond my 5 year old comprehension level.
So, it's a mixed bag: I am definitely enjoying the history, both national and New York, and the stories of Chisolm's personal growth. I am jarred every few pages by things that were missed by the editor: errors in chronology; important players introduced by last name only as if they've appeared previously in the text, but they haven't; and at least one political contest reported with an incorrect victor. There are also places in which, every time a person is mentioned, his name is spelled a new way. Because I know little about Chisolm herself, I can't avoid wondering what else is wrong that I am not noticing. This is a big bummer because the book is part of a series (Lives of American Women) and is edited by an important women's history scholar.
The persnikety editing bits aside, this is a book worth reading and Chisolm was a truly remarkable person. She appears to have been exceedingly brave and sure of her core inside herself. She kept her focus on advancing critical improvements for her constituents even in the face of constant derision by the old guard. It's important to remember just how unusual it was for a woman to claim her power and authority in American politics in the 1960s and 70s. Even in grassroots organizations, women were expected to do the envelope stuffing, make coffee, and be girlfriends. Chisolm set the agenda. She's just as cool as my kindergarten self thought she was. I wish I had known that she was teaching at Mt. Holyoke in the late 80s. I was nearby and would have definitely tried to sit in on one of her classes.
I would give this 4 stars, not because it's a scintillating read, but because it is an extremely worthwhile one.
So, it's a mixed bag: I am definitely enjoying the history, both national and New York, and the stories of Chisolm's personal growth. I am jarred every few pages by things that were missed by the editor: errors in chronology; important players introduced by last name only as if they've appeared previously in the text, but they haven't; and at least one political contest reported with an incorrect victor. There are also places in which, every time a person is mentioned, his name is spelled a new way. Because I know little about Chisolm herself, I can't avoid wondering what else is wrong that I am not noticing. This is a big bummer because the book is part of a series (Lives of American Women) and is edited by an important women's history scholar.
The persnikety editing bits aside, this is a book worth reading and Chisolm was a truly remarkable person. She appears to have been exceedingly brave and sure of her core inside herself. She kept her focus on advancing critical improvements for her constituents even in the face of constant derision by the old guard. It's important to remember just how unusual it was for a woman to claim her power and authority in American politics in the 1960s and 70s. Even in grassroots organizations, women were expected to do the envelope stuffing, make coffee, and be girlfriends. Chisolm set the agenda. She's just as cool as my kindergarten self thought she was. I wish I had known that she was teaching at Mt. Holyoke in the late 80s. I was nearby and would have definitely tried to sit in on one of her classes.
I would give this 4 stars, not because it's a scintillating read, but because it is an extremely worthwhile one.
October 2, 2022
This book does exactly what it is supposed to do- distill her life her opinions and her achievements into one straight readable narrative. It covered her upbringing as split between island and NYC, and her college education and early work directly with young children and their families. It covered her multiple elections, and positions and how she earned her support. It was great as a quick focused read and a good style for this particular series. My wish was that there were many more other books about her, so I could attempt to discern her unique thinking, because to run for president as a black woman in the times she did was clearly a whole nother level of guts. I see her referenced in many museums and shows about race and women and I want to know more. Biopic anyone?
November 24, 2014
A small woman with big ambitions!!!
Some of the uphill challenges that she faced came from her fellow African-Americans "(1972) always have to face men who tried to infantilize, patronize, or demonize her." Called a Matriach, envoking the image of a dominant black mother that has emascuculated the black man.
She also had to deal with prejudice: (1968) "found the perfect house, tried to make the purchase the real estate agent suddenly and inexplicably told them the house was unavailable. A week later, the seemingly frightened agent came to them, asking why Chisholm had not mentioned that she was a member of Congress?"
Politician with a heart: "On a cold February evening, an elderly woman knocked on their door and handed her an envelope, saying that a group of women had collected money for her congressional campaign. Chishom opened the envelope and found $9.62, all in coins. Overcome with emotion, with tears streaming down her cheeks, Chisholm promised this woman, "I know what this money means to you. We'll make it together - you and I." She would always treasure that envelope.
She was also a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus.
Extraodinary Lady!!!
Some of the uphill challenges that she faced came from her fellow African-Americans "(1972) always have to face men who tried to infantilize, patronize, or demonize her." Called a Matriach, envoking the image of a dominant black mother that has emascuculated the black man.
She also had to deal with prejudice: (1968) "found the perfect house, tried to make the purchase the real estate agent suddenly and inexplicably told them the house was unavailable. A week later, the seemingly frightened agent came to them, asking why Chisholm had not mentioned that she was a member of Congress?"
Politician with a heart: "On a cold February evening, an elderly woman knocked on their door and handed her an envelope, saying that a group of women had collected money for her congressional campaign. Chishom opened the envelope and found $9.62, all in coins. Overcome with emotion, with tears streaming down her cheeks, Chisholm promised this woman, "I know what this money means to you. We'll make it together - you and I." She would always treasure that envelope.
She was also a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus.
Extraodinary Lady!!!
December 30, 2014
I was too young to vote when Mrs. Chisholm was in office, but she piqued my interest in politics. To be black and female was against all norms in the 1960's political arena. I was surprised to learn that the black politcal machine was against her almost more than the white one. The whites ignored her, the blacks went after her (in a bad way).
If you want to see how down and dirty politics can be - this is the book for you. Also, you'll be introduced to a gutsy lady that was "unbought and unbossed".
If you want to see how down and dirty politics can be - this is the book for you. Also, you'll be introduced to a gutsy lady that was "unbought and unbossed".
January 5, 2019
Read this while attending a Carol Berking Women in History seminar. A great series of books she edits
May 26, 2021
Factual, a-political, historical view of chisolm’s rise and actions while in office. Pictures would have been nice! Appropriate level of information for jh and Hs
Skimmed for general feel.
Skimmed for general feel.
January 24, 2019
An important biography about an important American figure who doesn't have enough biographies written about her.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews