'Shirley' on Netflix: Shirley Chisholm's legacy sees resurgence in interest years after her death
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Netflix has officially released 'Shirley,' which explores the trailblazing story of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black congresswoman and presidential candidate.
Penned by director John Ridley and boasting a star-studded cast, the story unfolds in 1972 when Chisholm etched her name in history as the first Black candidate to pursue a major party's presidential nomination.
'Shirley' stars Regina King, Lance Reddick, Terrence Howard, Lucas Hedges, Michael Cherrie, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Christina Jackson, and André Holland in pivotal roles.
Who was Shirley Chisholm?
Shirley Anita Chisholm was an American politician who achieved a historic milestone in 1968 by becoming the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress.
Her election marked a monumental moment in American political history, shattering barriers and laying the foundation for future generations of Black women to step into politics at the highest levels.
In 1972, Shirley Chisholm made history again by becoming the first African American candidate to pursue a major-party nomination for President of the United States.
Additionally, she achieved another milestone by being the first woman to run for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination, marking a dual achievement that underscored her trailblazing role in American politics.
Shirley Chisholm faced discrimination during her 1972 presidential campaign
According to the National Women's History Museum, Chisholm encountered significant discrimination during her 1972 presidential campaign.
Despite her groundbreaking candidacy, she faced obstacles and prejudice from various quarters, including within her party.
Her path was hindered as she was denied participation in televised primary debates. However, undeterred by this exclusion, she took legal action to challenge the decision. Eventually, she triumphed, securing the right to deliver just one speech.
She made a significant impact during the presidential campaign, entering 12 primaries and securing 152 delegates' votes, which accounted for 10% of the total.
In her memoir, 'The Good Fight', Chisholm wrote that she pursued her groundbreaking campaign because "someone had to do it first."
How did Shirley Chisholm die?
Shirley Chisholm died on January 1, 2005, at the age of 80 at her home in Ormond Beach, Florida, United States. According to a former staff member, William Howard, Shirley Chisholm suffered several strokes before her death.
After her death, Jesse Louis Jackson, the Former Shadow US Senator, described Chisholm as "an activist and a woman of great courage," according to the Los Angeles Times.
Regina King, a recipient of numerous accolades including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and four Primetime Emmy Awards, portrays the pivotal role of Shirley Chisholm in Netflix's movie 'Shirley'.