Shirley Chisholm: R.I.P.

January 3, 2005 9:01 AM

Shirley Chisholm: R.I.P.. One wonders how much different America might be today had she been elected President in 1972 rather than Tricky Dick. (All 500+ sources from Google News)
posted by spock (10 comments total)

"I'd like them to say that Shirley Chisholm had guts. That's how I'd like to be remembered."

That's how I remember one of my first, and still most revered, heros. She definitely had the guts.
posted by kamylyon at 9:15 AM on January 3, 2005

"Reagan was the Prez, but I voted for Shirley Chisholm"

/bizmarkie
posted by stifford at 9:46 AM on January 3, 2005

.
posted by lilboo at 10:04 AM on January 3, 2005

I remember when she said this:

Of my two handicaps, being female put many more obstacles in my path than being black.

I learned a hell of a lot from her.

farewell.
posted by victors at 10:40 AM on January 3, 2005

My first gig (as a fifteen-year old) was in a rock trio at a Shirley Chisholm campaign stop at a Head Start preschool in St. Louis. 1968. Yeah, she was something else.
posted by kozad at 11:12 AM on January 3, 2005

Shirley Chisholm and Bob Matsui in one week. Sigh.
posted by Sidhedevil at 11:42 AM on January 3, 2005

She gave a speech on the steps of the Somerset County Courthouse in Somerville, NJ during her 1972 campaign.

Yes, I'm old enough to remember it.

/graduated from Somerville High School in 1972. Actually visited Somerville this past week (moved out right after graduating.)
posted by 1016 at 12:23 PM on January 3, 2005

I doubt if I'm gonna find it at the local Blockbuster, but
the 2004 documentary "Chisholm '72: Unbought & Unbossed" looks great. (interview with the filmmaker).
Bio and film review.
posted by spock at 12:59 PM on January 3, 2005

.
posted by moonbird at 3:22 PM on January 3, 2005

I read a biography on her twice when I was in the fifth grade. Perhaps it was once or twice more than a white boy in Texas was expected to read the story of a black congresswoman from New York, but her story moved me. So moving, so strong - so fundamentally American.
posted by kongg at 5:53 PM on January 3, 2005