From the Shadows to the Spotlight
When Barbara Lee was first elected to Congress in 1998, her mentor Shirley Chisholm’s accomplishments weren’t widely recognized. There was no picture of her in the Capitol, nor a postage stamp in her honor. Lee, who admired Chisholm for her advocacy for low-wage workers, is now at the forefront of keeping Chisholm’s legacy alive.
Meeting the Mentor
The relationship between Lee, a California congresswoman, and Chisholm, a pioneering Brooklyn politician, is explored in the Netflix movie “Shirley.” The film released in March gives a closer look into Chisholm’s influential life. Additionally, Lee attended the opening of a new museum exhibit in Manhattan dedicated to Chisholm’s achievements.
Honoring a Trailblazer
The exhibit named, “Changing the Face of Democracy: Shirley Chisholm at 100,” celebrates Chisholm’s inspiring legacy. Hailing from Brooklyn, Chisholm was the first Black woman elected to Congress and the first to run for presidency under a major political party.
Paving the Path
Before women like Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and Kamala Harris assumed their roles in politics, there was Shirley Chisholm. The exhibit dissects three important aspects of Chisholm’s life: her Brooklyn upbringing, political career, and her impact on future generations.
A Glimpse into History
The exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York features memorabilia from Chisholm’s presidential campaign, her wedding portrait, college diploma, and a costume donned by Regina King in “Shirley.” It also shares insights from women’s activist Gloria Steinem, poet Sonia Sanchez, and the late Mayor David Dinkins.
A Caribbean Legacy
Chisholm, who passed away in 2005, was born to Caribbean immigrants, something she was always proud of. The exhibition couldn’t have opened at a better time – Caribbean American Heritage Month.
Education, Equality and Unbought Loyalties
With an initial career as an educator, Chisholm’s political career took off when she was elected to the State Assembly in 1964. Her 1968 Congressional run was led by the powerful slogan, “Unbought and Unbossed,” and she didn’t stop there. Her historic presidential run in 1972 further solidified her place in the annals of American history.
Barbara Lee and Shirley Chisholm: A Shared Journey
When Lee, a former Black Panther Party organizer met her, she wasn’t even registered to vote. As a student at Mills College, she invited Chisholm to speak at a Black Student Union. Before she knew it, she was working on Chisholm’s campaign and served as her delegate at the Democratic National Convention.
Lee, currently running for a Senate seat in California, continues to honor Chisholm stating, “Ms. C paved the way for myself and countless others in public service.”
Chisholm’s Enduring Impact
After retiring from Congress in 1983, Chisholm continued to fight for women, people of color, and the poor. She advocated for legislation supporting daycare centers and education. Chisholm confidently stated, “I ran because somebody had to do it first.” Her path-breaking journey lives on, inspiring others to break barriers and push for change.