Regina King Pays Homage to Iconic Activist/Politician Shirley Chisholm

In 1968, there were 435 elected representatives to the house of Congress.  11 of those representatives were women, five representatives were Black and absolutely zero were Black women.  Making a mere $42,500 yearly salary, dealing eloquently not silently with racism, sexism and being told she can run for President but may not win, Shirley Chisholm blazed the trail wide open for women when she ran for Commander-In-Chief in 1972.  Looking like a fly in the buttermilk as part of the 91st class of Congress, she impressively refused to be placed in charge of the Agriculture committee as a Freshman sending a loud and clear message  to both sides of the aisle her goal was to work on giving politics back to the people.

Directed and written by Oscar winner John Ridley, “Shirley” focuses on events leading up to Chihsolm’s  historic run in the face of men feeling that equality will ultimately lead to chaos for America.  This obviously resonates strongly when some politicians used fear of change, drugs, crime and bussing in the 70’s exchanging those ideals for women’s civil, reproductive rights and immigration issues of our current political landscape.  Yet, the most powerful move was being smart enough sue American broadcast networks just for the privilege to participate in a televised political debate.  A right now taken for granted by some political candidates today who literally refuse to participate and are allowed to do so simply due the privilege of being white, male and allegedly wealthy.

There is not a weak link in any of the performances led by Academy Award winner Regina King in her first lead role since the tragic loss of her only child Ian. Particularly poignant is in real life Chisholm had three sisters, yet struggled with a massively challenging relationship with her sister Muriel.  Muriel was blinded by jealousy making their connection less than stellar.  Yet, one can not help but notice the irony of real life sisters (Regina and Reina King) taking on these roles with respect and all the complexity that goes with siblings of this nature.  Regina and Reina will make your heart cry while wondering why we haven’t seen more of Reina on the big or small screens – as she is an amazingly gifted artist.  A trait that clearly runs through the DNA of these extremely close sisters.

Grammy winner Samara Joy smoothly croons over the end credits with “I Know I’m Here” piercing audiences to their core, as will the words of Shirley Chisholm herself, “I’m not the candidate of Black America.  I’m not the candidate of the women’s movement.  I’m not the candidate of any political movement or special interest group.  I am the candidate for the people of America.”

Produced by Participant and streaming on Netflix, “Shriley” is a stark reminder that representation does indeed matter in a political arena where women are still being bulldozed and bullied into not pursuing leadership.