Episode 44: Shirley, Starring Regina King as Shirley Chisholm!

We buckle up for the inspiring but also totally depressing story of Shirley Chisolm, the fearless Brooklynite who became the first major-party female candidate for President. Shirley is inspiring because she has class, style, incredible smarts, and is a preternaturally gifted politician. Shirley totally bummed us out because [gestures around at the trash-fire trainwreck that is 2025, and Americans’ racism and misogyny and how they got us to said trash-fire trainwreck]. Outside of the lamentable place in time in which we exist, we are nevertheless inspired by Shirley Chisholm, the trails she blazed, and the spaces she made at the table for the women who followed.

Other topics of discussion: The halcyon days of Richard Nixon’s genteel corruption, John Ridley and Regina King’s casual brilliance, how Shirley Chisholm used her powers to change George Wallace, and how men will always protect each other from a woman leader.

We introduce two new segments, “Greenbook Greenlight,” and “Sara Managed to Wedge in Jonestown, Somehow.”

 

References: 

Slate.com

Smithsonian Magazine
Unbought and Unbossed, by Shirley Chisholm

Unbought and Unbossed, the documentary about Shirley Chisholm

“227” Theme Song 

 

Spoiler Warning: We spoil everything. And we enjoy it.

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