Shirley Chisholm Livres

"A tremendously impressive book." - Washington Post. "Her motto and title of her autobiography—Unbought and Unbossed—illustrates her outspoken advocacy for women and minorities during her seven terms in the U.S. House of Representatives." - National Women's History Museum. This classic work blends memoir, social criticism, and political analysis, remaining relevant today. The first Black Congresswoman, Shirley Chisholm, traces her political struggles and examines long-standing issues within the American government. "I want to be remembered as a woman . . . who dared to be a catalyst of change." As a political pioneer, activist, and former presidential candidate, Chisholm broke barriers and inspired generations, particularly women of color. Her story, told in her own words, reflects her rise from Brooklyn to Congress. She discusses her life in politics while illuminating key events and personalities of her time, including the Democratic Party's schism in the 1960s and '70s, which resonate today. In this candid assessment, "Fighting Shirley" recalls how she challenged an entrenched system, gave a voice to millions, and embarked on a groundbreaking bid to become the first woman and first African American President of the United States. By being true to herself, Shirley Chisholm demonstrates how one person can change the status quo forever.

The revered civil rights activist and pioneering member of Congress chronicles her groundbreaking 1972 run for President as the first woman and person of color, a work of immense historical importance newly reissued to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of her campaign. In 1972, the Congresswoman from New York, the first Black woman elected to Congress, made history again by announcing her candidacy for President. Though she knew victory was unlikely, Chisholm ran because someone had to do it first, challenging the belief that the country was not ready for a Black or woman candidate. In this invaluable political memoir, she reflects on her unique campaign and a nation at a crossroads. With striking candor, she reveals the essential wheeling and dealing of campaigning, critiques the conservatism of the Black majority at the time, and addresses the identity politics that led to power struggles within the Democratic Party. From the primaries to the tumultuous 1972 Democratic National Convention, this work offers a portrait of twentieth-century politics and a Democratic Party in flux. Most importantly, it depicts a reformer dedicated to making politics work for all Americans, as Chisholm viewed her campaign as an extension of her commitment to give voice to the forgotten, embodying her remarkable personality and dedication to truth.

The collection showcases the speeches and writings of Shirley Chisholm, highlighting her significant role as a pioneering Black feminist and activist. Through Zinga Fraser's editorial lens, the book reveals Chisholm's radical vision for a just world free from oppression and inequality. It emphasizes her call for women to embrace revolutionary ideals and serves as a vital resource for understanding her impact on politics and the women's liberation movement. This work reaffirms Chisholm's enduring legacy and relevance in contemporary discussions on feminism and social justice.