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Shirley Chisholm: Champion of Black Feminist Power Politics
Shaking up New York and national politics by becoming the first African American congresswoman and, later, the first Black major-party presidential candidate, Shirley Chisholm left an indelible mark as an "unbought and unbossed" firebrand and a leader in politics for meaningful change. Chisholm spent her formative years moving between Barbados and Brooklyn, and the development of her political orientation did not follow the standard narratives of the civil rights or feminist establishments. Rather, Chisholm arrived at her Black feminism on her own path, making signature contributions to U.S. politics as an inventor and practitioner of Black feminist power—the vantage point centering Black girls and women in the movement that sought to transform political power into a broadly democratic force.
Anastasia C. Curwood interweaves Chisholm's public image, political commitments, and private experiences to create a definitive account of a consequential life. In so doing, Curwood suggests new truths for understanding the social movements of Chisholm's time and the opportunities she forged for herself through multicultural, multigenerational, and cross-gender coalition building.
Anastasia C. Curwood interweaves Chisholm's public image, political commitments, and private experiences to create a definitive account of a consequential life. In so doing, Curwood suggests new truths for understanding the social movements of Chisholm's time and the opportunities she forged for herself through multicultural, multigenerational, and cross-gender coalition building.
472 pages, Paperback
Published April 23, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 4, 2023
This biography of Shirley Chisholm is long overdue in my opinion. Anastasia Curwood did a magnificent job of making this political powerhouse a relatable woman with flaws like anyone. Very well researched and possibly a bit overwhelming for some, this text covers everything. I recommend taking your time with this one as there is so much information. I approached this book a bit flippantly because Shirley Chisholm is one of my favorite political figures and I know everything there is to know about her; thanks to Anastasia Curwood I can now say that with actual confidence...unless she releases a part 2.
I will definitely be adding this to my personal library.
I will definitely be adding this to my personal library.
February 25, 2023
I’m a bit partial here because Dr. Curwood is my son’s PhD advisor at the University of Kentucky. I had been excitedly waiting for this to be published. I was not disappointed.
Shirley Chisholm was an American force of nature in politics. I never knew how she wanted to work all sides at times, trying to get Black men, white women, democrats and republicans to work for the good of poor and disheartened citizens, especially women and children. But just the amount of work she put in and the strength and courage she had to deal with some of the meanest and certainly ignorant folks, shows me there will never be anyone like her again. As a white middle aged privileged woman from Tennessee, the only politics I knew of Ms. Chisholm was the “radical” kind. Thank God I have seen the light as my age and mind have changed! If I were a younger woman thinking about serving this country, this book would a priority read.
Shirley Chisholm was an American force of nature in politics. I never knew how she wanted to work all sides at times, trying to get Black men, white women, democrats and republicans to work for the good of poor and disheartened citizens, especially women and children. But just the amount of work she put in and the strength and courage she had to deal with some of the meanest and certainly ignorant folks, shows me there will never be anyone like her again. As a white middle aged privileged woman from Tennessee, the only politics I knew of Ms. Chisholm was the “radical” kind. Thank God I have seen the light as my age and mind have changed! If I were a younger woman thinking about serving this country, this book would a priority read.
June 23, 2024
Meticulously researched. A strong forward moving narrative, unified under Curwood's theme of "Black Feminist Power Politics". The chronology is comprehensive and logical. The author's chapters, although long, are segmented with subheadings. Authoritatively cited - indeed, many citations in each chapter. And, Curwood always brings events back to the umbrella theme. This biography is incredibly readable and engaging. I was most impressed with the dissection of events surrounding Chisholm's presidential aspirations. The author comprehensively gives us all the ins and outs of Chisholm's efforts of "negotiating" and back and forthing at the 1972 Democratic National Convention. Curwood quotes Chisholm's own words "Women must be resilient...tough...and stop being fluttering butterflies"...
Chisholm did not suffer fools gladly. She was critical of the pandering and corrupt behaviours of black male politicians, who looked upon her condescendingly as a "black matriarch". She despised the patronage of "party politics" and back room dealings. For that she paid a price, politically and personally. At the same time, Curwood does not give us a Shirley hagiography. Chisholm could - and had to- play politics as Machiavellian as those who would defeat her.
Chisholm was an outsider - born outside the US, independent and often prickly herself. The first few chapters are engaging and provide the reader with insight into her life philosophy. She refused to "go along" and was criticized by other Black politicians. Her feminist philosophy was deeply rooted in the civil rights of black women. She came to blows with White feminists, who could not avoid being condescending to Blacks - especially Black women. Chisholm was unyielding in her advocacy of the rights of Black women to achieve goals that, still today, are systemically and politically refused to them. But, Shirley knew she had to play the long game. She mentored and guided younger women. She opened up opportunities for participation. Her work bore fruit, the results of which are evident in the increasing diversity of United States politicians at every level.
I greatly enjoyed every page of this book. Invaluable for perspective on late 20th century United States social and political history.
Chisholm did not suffer fools gladly. She was critical of the pandering and corrupt behaviours of black male politicians, who looked upon her condescendingly as a "black matriarch". She despised the patronage of "party politics" and back room dealings. For that she paid a price, politically and personally. At the same time, Curwood does not give us a Shirley hagiography. Chisholm could - and had to- play politics as Machiavellian as those who would defeat her.
Chisholm was an outsider - born outside the US, independent and often prickly herself. The first few chapters are engaging and provide the reader with insight into her life philosophy. She refused to "go along" and was criticized by other Black politicians. Her feminist philosophy was deeply rooted in the civil rights of black women. She came to blows with White feminists, who could not avoid being condescending to Blacks - especially Black women. Chisholm was unyielding in her advocacy of the rights of Black women to achieve goals that, still today, are systemically and politically refused to them. But, Shirley knew she had to play the long game. She mentored and guided younger women. She opened up opportunities for participation. Her work bore fruit, the results of which are evident in the increasing diversity of United States politicians at every level.
I greatly enjoyed every page of this book. Invaluable for perspective on late 20th century United States social and political history.
February 5, 2023
This book is well worth the read - the author does a great job balancing Shirley Chisholm's many strengths with her blind-spots and flaws. I recently saw a documentary on her ("Chisholm '72 Unbought and Unbossed" named after one of her memoirs) and have been wanting to learn more about her life and her political rise. She faced many barriers in her rise - from racism and sexism and old boy's clubs tactics of shutting her out, keeping her from the table. She was ahead of her time -- she addressed systemic policy issues head on - including the need for affordable and accessible child care to enable mothers (and fathers) to be able to afford to work. She was one of the first to view issues through an intersectional lens and was able to align with others (NOW, other congress people around the ERA, etc.). She was ambitious and would not settle for being nominated as Vice-President and persisted in running for President even when the majority of her allies did not feel she had a chance. The book observes here that she often did not seek out advice from others - she was very strong-willed which is why she could deal with all she had to put up with for her entire political career. She was estranged from her mother and sister due to squabbles over an inheritance from her father, and ended up marrying twice (both husbands come off very well in this book as huge supporters of hers). The saddest part for me is that some of the very issues and policy changes she fought for we are still fighting for. This book gave me new insights and admiration into Shirley Chisholm as a politician but also as a person. As a nice touch, there is a photo and the end of the book with Shirley Chisholm and the author's parents (her mother had volunteered as the treasurer for her presidential campaign and her dad was a reporter covering the campaign). This book is much needed and overdue!
Thank you to Netgalley and University of North Carolina Press for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley and University of North Carolina Press for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
February 16, 2025
I've been looking for a biography of Shirley Chisholm for a while. Apparently, many of her records were lost, so it took a while for someone to research and publish this one. I wish we knew more about her. It's clear the author did her research to put together as close to comprehensive an account of her life as we may ever have. Alternately inspiring and depressing in the current political climate. An important read.
December 7, 2022
Anastasia C. Curwood Shirley Chisholm Champion of Black Feminist Power Politics University of North Carolina Press 2023.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.
Anastasia C. Curwood’s biography of Shirley Chisholm is extremely dense. It is replete with immense background detail of the American context, the performance and intricacies of the Democratic Party, and gives similarly detailed attention to the way in which Black political movements impinged on Chisholm’s life, political and personal behaviour, and contribution to American, Democratic Party and Black movement politics. This comprehensive attention to the wider context has its positive features. However, it also presents a challenge to presenting a personable and accessible biography of a woman of such enormous significance in personal as well as political terms.
Is it worth the endeavour to find Shirley Chisholm? Or is the wealth of contextual material essential to understanding the woman, the times and the politics? I think that the answer to these are questions is probably different depending on the reader, and important to consider when approaching this biography. I found that I needed to intersperse reading this biography with other reading, but found this approach gave me the impetus to really come to grips with the way in which general detail seemed at times to overcome the Shirley Chisholm’s story.
Curwood describes the difficulty of writing a biography of such a figure and avoiding it becoming hagiography. She refers to Chisholm’s own memoirs and their omissions and inaccuracies and the lack of archival material. This biography is certainly no hagiography, and the contextual material works to overcome the problems presented by the lack of archival material and limited information from the memoirs. The introduction is a fine read, dealing as it does so well with the problems that the writer encountered, and helping me to understand those I found in reading the biography.
The story told at the start of the book is delightful, demonstrating as it does Chisholm’s strength, personable individuality, her concern for others at the same time as making a point, and her dedication to making a pathway for other Black women and men. This story then is well woven into the broader context. This is a pattern that if continued would have enhanced the accessibility of this book, and at times it is replicated to the book’s advantage. There are also some excellent illustrations which help tell the story.
Shirley Chisholm is such a powerful figure in black and Democratic Party politics I would have liked to have felt more closely associated with her story rather than the contextual story at times taking over. However, the other side of this notion is the value of wealth of information that is available through this biography of Shirley Chisholm and story American politics throughout her time, with an emphasis on Black and Democratic Party political endeavours.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.
Anastasia C. Curwood’s biography of Shirley Chisholm is extremely dense. It is replete with immense background detail of the American context, the performance and intricacies of the Democratic Party, and gives similarly detailed attention to the way in which Black political movements impinged on Chisholm’s life, political and personal behaviour, and contribution to American, Democratic Party and Black movement politics. This comprehensive attention to the wider context has its positive features. However, it also presents a challenge to presenting a personable and accessible biography of a woman of such enormous significance in personal as well as political terms.
Is it worth the endeavour to find Shirley Chisholm? Or is the wealth of contextual material essential to understanding the woman, the times and the politics? I think that the answer to these are questions is probably different depending on the reader, and important to consider when approaching this biography. I found that I needed to intersperse reading this biography with other reading, but found this approach gave me the impetus to really come to grips with the way in which general detail seemed at times to overcome the Shirley Chisholm’s story.
Curwood describes the difficulty of writing a biography of such a figure and avoiding it becoming hagiography. She refers to Chisholm’s own memoirs and their omissions and inaccuracies and the lack of archival material. This biography is certainly no hagiography, and the contextual material works to overcome the problems presented by the lack of archival material and limited information from the memoirs. The introduction is a fine read, dealing as it does so well with the problems that the writer encountered, and helping me to understand those I found in reading the biography.
The story told at the start of the book is delightful, demonstrating as it does Chisholm’s strength, personable individuality, her concern for others at the same time as making a point, and her dedication to making a pathway for other Black women and men. This story then is well woven into the broader context. This is a pattern that if continued would have enhanced the accessibility of this book, and at times it is replicated to the book’s advantage. There are also some excellent illustrations which help tell the story.
Shirley Chisholm is such a powerful figure in black and Democratic Party politics I would have liked to have felt more closely associated with her story rather than the contextual story at times taking over. However, the other side of this notion is the value of wealth of information that is available through this biography of Shirley Chisholm and story American politics throughout her time, with an emphasis on Black and Democratic Party political endeavours.
December 18, 2022
Shirley Chisholm is one of my top anticipated reads of 2023 and it did not disappoint. Curwood does a fantastic job of intertwining the different parts of Shirley Chisholm’s personal and political life while keeping a good pace. As someone familiar with Chisholm, I still learned quite a bit from this book. Thank you to Netgalley and UNC Press for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
March 14, 2025
This book did its job. I wanted to know more about her and her legacy. I learned her accomplishments, her personality, and the road blocks she encountered and overcame. I do think that the author swept over the potentially negative opinions of Shirley to maintain the positive narrative. It would have been nice to read a completely non-biased biography but those are rare.
August 21, 2023
Shirley Chisholm was ahead of her time in so many ways, especially in her equal championing for Blacks and women. The latter earned her both admiration and sometimes mistrust from both groups.This fine biography describes her upbringing in both Brooklyn and Barbados and her complicated family dynamics. It was her maternal grandmother in Barbados, not her Brooklyn mother, who was her role model for strength and independence; it was her father, not her mother or sisters, who strongly supported her political career. In pursuing her education and early career she suffered both racism and sexism which helps explain her later equal championing of the fight against both.
Chisholm is remembered for her 1972 Presidential campaigns, her inspiring speeches, her vision for the future. But this book also shows her effectiveness as a strategist and coalition builder in the House of Representatives. She was the force in getting a wide scale child care package passed in Congress only to see Nixon veto it. She was also effective in minimum wage legislation, not just in raising it but also in including more people, especially domestic workers, under the minimum wage protections.
The Presidential campaign is told in detail and it is here that I have a problem. The author joins the 1972 Chisholm in seeming disparagement of everyone else, from Black and women leaders who did not support her to the other candidates, often describing the opponents as playing games. Yet, the author repeatedly repeats the Chisholm mantra that she was not running to win the nomination. Which is fine. But when Chisholm joined forces with Humphrey and others to change the rules such as the unit rule in California, it seems that she was the one playing games. There was no discussion of the differences between McGovern and Humphrey from ending the Vietnam War to abortion, to drug laws. In fact, Chisholm's policy positions were nearly identical to McGovern's, but her later campaign strategy was to join with Humphrey...and George Wallace... when she admittedly was not trying to secure the nomination herself.
But politics and history is complicated. And this is a great book about a great woman who was far ahead of her time, and we are better off thanks to her vision
Chisholm is remembered for her 1972 Presidential campaigns, her inspiring speeches, her vision for the future. But this book also shows her effectiveness as a strategist and coalition builder in the House of Representatives. She was the force in getting a wide scale child care package passed in Congress only to see Nixon veto it. She was also effective in minimum wage legislation, not just in raising it but also in including more people, especially domestic workers, under the minimum wage protections.
The Presidential campaign is told in detail and it is here that I have a problem. The author joins the 1972 Chisholm in seeming disparagement of everyone else, from Black and women leaders who did not support her to the other candidates, often describing the opponents as playing games. Yet, the author repeatedly repeats the Chisholm mantra that she was not running to win the nomination. Which is fine. But when Chisholm joined forces with Humphrey and others to change the rules such as the unit rule in California, it seems that she was the one playing games. There was no discussion of the differences between McGovern and Humphrey from ending the Vietnam War to abortion, to drug laws. In fact, Chisholm's policy positions were nearly identical to McGovern's, but her later campaign strategy was to join with Humphrey...and George Wallace... when she admittedly was not trying to secure the nomination herself.
But politics and history is complicated. And this is a great book about a great woman who was far ahead of her time, and we are better off thanks to her vision
January 19, 2023
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
Received for review: I received an advanced copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not obligated to write a good review, nor did I receive any compensation for writing this review.
Why did I decide to turn the pages? I am ashamed to say I didn’t know much about Shirly Chisholm before a few years ago. Since then, I’ve been searching for ways to learn more about her, and so when I saw the opportunity to review this one, I jumped at the chance.
My Overall Thoughts/Impressions: This biography of Shirley Chisholm is LONG OVERDUE! I have been searching for a book like this for a long time, and I haven’t found many options. So I was very excited to read this one.
This one is very dense and very expansive in scope. It seems to cover everything about Shirley—politically and personally. I think some readers may find it a bit dense or a bit intimidating, but I really enjoyed it.
I love that Anastasia Curwood decided to look at the woman behind the myths and discuss flaws and all. I always enjoy when books do that.
If you are looking for an expansive book on Chisholm that also explains the politics and happenings of the time, then this is a great book for you.
I also listened to this on audible, and the audible version is good as well.
So why 4 stars? It was a bit dense at times; however, I found it to be well paced and well written.
Love,
Danica Page
Received for review: I received an advanced copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not obligated to write a good review, nor did I receive any compensation for writing this review.
Why did I decide to turn the pages? I am ashamed to say I didn’t know much about Shirly Chisholm before a few years ago. Since then, I’ve been searching for ways to learn more about her, and so when I saw the opportunity to review this one, I jumped at the chance.
My Overall Thoughts/Impressions: This biography of Shirley Chisholm is LONG OVERDUE! I have been searching for a book like this for a long time, and I haven’t found many options. So I was very excited to read this one.
This one is very dense and very expansive in scope. It seems to cover everything about Shirley—politically and personally. I think some readers may find it a bit dense or a bit intimidating, but I really enjoyed it.
I love that Anastasia Curwood decided to look at the woman behind the myths and discuss flaws and all. I always enjoy when books do that.
If you are looking for an expansive book on Chisholm that also explains the politics and happenings of the time, then this is a great book for you.
I also listened to this on audible, and the audible version is good as well.
So why 4 stars? It was a bit dense at times; however, I found it to be well paced and well written.
Love,
Danica Page
March 12, 2025
A detailed account of the life of the first African-American woman elected to Congress. Curwood has clearly done her research on Chisholm. The book is a fascinating review, though it is clearly written from a feminist point of view. The sections that focus on Chisholm's 1972 race for the Democratic Presidential nomination.
I was surprised that Curwood, a university professor, would make several careless errors in her accounting of some of the men who affected Chisholm's career. The most notable is her statement that the man who defeated Chisholm's Presidential nomination in 1972 was Senator George McGovern of North Dakota; I expect someone who teaches in a university should know that McGovern was from SOUTH Dakota. Equally annoying was the claim that the winner of 1980 Democratic nomination was not clear until Edward Kennedy, Chisholm's candidate, withdrew at the convention. Most observers acknowledge President Carter had won the nomination through the primaries and that Kennedy's effort to change the rules at the convention to permit delegates to ignore their state's instructions was a last gasp effort that failed, which was why he withdrew.
I was surprised that Curwood, a university professor, would make several careless errors in her accounting of some of the men who affected Chisholm's career. The most notable is her statement that the man who defeated Chisholm's Presidential nomination in 1972 was Senator George McGovern of North Dakota; I expect someone who teaches in a university should know that McGovern was from SOUTH Dakota. Equally annoying was the claim that the winner of 1980 Democratic nomination was not clear until Edward Kennedy, Chisholm's candidate, withdrew at the convention. Most observers acknowledge President Carter had won the nomination through the primaries and that Kennedy's effort to change the rules at the convention to permit delegates to ignore their state's instructions was a last gasp effort that failed, which was why he withdrew.
February 4, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley and University of North Carolina Press for an advance copy of this wonderful biography!
I have heard Shirley Chisholm's name for so long but have never spent time with her life and her accomplishments and this book did a wonderful job of describing her life, her work, and the factors motivating her to serve her community. I appreciated how the author worked to balance her work with her life and I especially loved how she described Chisholm's coalition building, the heart of her work.
Chisholm's time as the first female and first black candidate for President is front and center in this book, but the author does a great job of laying the foundation of her service in New York and Congress, allowing the reader space to understand both who Shirley was and the era she was operating in. Its clear Chisholm was a strong leader who knew her worth and knew that even if her causes weren't flashy, they were important to working and impoverished americans.
I appreciate this opportunity to learn more about such an important figure in our country's history.
I have heard Shirley Chisholm's name for so long but have never spent time with her life and her accomplishments and this book did a wonderful job of describing her life, her work, and the factors motivating her to serve her community. I appreciated how the author worked to balance her work with her life and I especially loved how she described Chisholm's coalition building, the heart of her work.
Chisholm's time as the first female and first black candidate for President is front and center in this book, but the author does a great job of laying the foundation of her service in New York and Congress, allowing the reader space to understand both who Shirley was and the era she was operating in. Its clear Chisholm was a strong leader who knew her worth and knew that even if her causes weren't flashy, they were important to working and impoverished americans.
I appreciate this opportunity to learn more about such an important figure in our country's history.
August 2, 2024
Expansive and really well-researched biography of Shirley Chisholm's groundbreaking career of public service. Having really only known the details of her presidential run in 1972 previously, this book really illuminated the rest of her life for me. Chisholm was really a trailblazer in demonstrating the power of coalition politics (over bloc politics), intersectionality in addressing critical socioeconomic issues through legislation, and having a little bit of an independent streak time and time again throughout her career.
February 9, 2023
What a wonderful biography on the great Shirley Chisholm!! The author captures the essential of Shirley Chisholm and what she has meant to so many in this country. While small in statue, she was a mighty force!!! I learned a great deal about her because of reading this biography. The opportunity to read this book was a treat, & I thank NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this ARC.
March 22, 2025
It’s hard for me to read nonfiction these days so a true testament that I read and enjoyed this book, especially since it took me a little bit to get through. Slow at points, but really enjoyed learning about Shirley Chisholm’s life and political career. Would definitely recommend. Probably closer to a 4.5
July 6, 2026
Love love love! The first of its kind extensive bio of Shirley Chisholm. Finally got around to reading this after chatting with Dr. Curwood for my undergrad thesis. I am beyond astounded at how many ways she paved a new path for some of my favorite current social justice role models. I hope she starts getting more of the recognition she deserves! ❤️💛💜
December 25, 2022
I have heard and briefly know little of Shirley chisholm.
I enjoyed simultaneously learning about her personal life and political life.
I enjoyed simultaneously learning about her personal life and political life.
February 14, 2023
B- Audible
May 17, 2023
Pretty thorough, and the narrative is usually pretty interesting, but the pace drags towards the center. Really enjoyed reading overall and learning about Shirley Chisholm's story!!
May 17, 2023
Excellent biography.
May 2, 2025
It provided insight and contemplative moments. The brief story you may hear in academic setting versus the nuanced details about political workings from the book were eye opening.
August 11, 2024
An icon for the ages, written by a powerful writer.
November 26, 2023
Check out my video review.
4.5/5
Shirley Chisholm by Anastation C Curwood is a book that explores the life and legacy of one of the most influential women in American politics. Chisholm was the first Black woman elected to Congress, the first Black woman to run for president, and a champion of civil rights and social justice. The book is not a light read, but rather a scholarly and detailed account of Chisholm’s career and achievements. I found the audiobook version helpful to follow the dense and academic writing style. However, I also enjoyed the book very much, as it gave me a comprehensive and nuanced perspective on Chisholm’s personality, challenges, and contributions. The book does not shy away from acknowledging Chisholm’s flaws and limitations, but also celebrates her courage and vision. Chisholm is an underappreciated figure in history and a hero to many. Her story is one I highly recommend reading.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews