SHIRLEY CHISHOLM

In Inspiration January 31, 2024 By Maggy Rosiji

Black History Month: 10 Black Women Who Changed the World

As Black History Month unfolds, it’s imperative to honor and celebrate the monumental contributions of Black women who have reshaped our world. From civil rights pioneers to trailblazing scientists, their legacies continue to inspire generations. Here are 10 remarkable Black women who have left an indelible mark on history:

Rosa Parks

Often hailed as the “Mother of the Civil Rights Movement,” Rosa Parks’s refusal to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama, sparked a wave of protests and catalyzed the Civil Rights Movement.

Harriet Tubman

Known as the “Moses of her people,” Harriet Tubman escaped slavery and dedicated her life to leading others to freedom through the Underground Railroad, risking her life countless times to liberate enslaved individuals.

Maya Angelou

Renowned poet, author, and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou‘s literary works, including “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” shed light on the African American experience and continue to resonate with readers worldwide.

Katherine Johnson

A pioneering mathematician at NASA, Katherine Johnson’s calculations were instrumental in launching the first American astronaut into space and played a crucial role in the success of the Apollo moon landing missions.

Madam C.J. Walker

As the first female self-made millionaire in America, Madam C.J. Walker revolutionized the haircare industry for Black women with her line of beauty products and empowered countless individuals through entrepreneurship.

A trailblazing politician, Shirley Chisholm shattered barriers as the first African American woman elected to the United States Congress and the first Black candidate for a major party’s nomination for President of the United States.

Audre Lorde

A prolific writer, poet, and feminist, Audre Lorde’s works explored themes of race, gender, and sexuality, challenging societal norms and advocating for social justice and equality.

Oprah Winfrey

From her groundbreaking talk show to her philanthropic endeavors, Oprah Winfrey has become one of the most influential figures in media and entertainment, using her platform to amplify marginalized voices and inspire millions worldwide.

Dr. Mae Jemison

As the first African American woman to travel in space, Dr. Mae Jemison broke barriers in the field of space exploration and continues to advocate for STEM education and diversity in the sciences.

Michelle Obama

As the first African American First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama championed numerous initiatives to promote health, education, and empowerment, leaving a lasting impact on communities both domestically and globally.

These remarkable Black women have left an indelible legacy, inspiring future generations to dream big, persevere in the face of adversity, and work towards a more just and equitable world. As we celebrate Black History Month, let us honor their contributions and continue to uplift their stories for generations to come.

In Career Gems November 18, 2020 By Women of Rubies

Danai Gurira Set To Play Historic Presidential Candidate Shirley Chisholm In New Movie

Actress Danai Gurira is set to play iconic presidential candidate Shirley Chisholm in a new film, Variety reports.

“The Fighting Shirley Chisholm” is a new film about the pioneering political maven who made history in 1972 as the first Black woman to run for president on the democratic ticket. Chisholm, a former NYC educational consultant, got into politics solely for her Brooklyn community’s betterment, her first campaign proving successful and allowing her to make history as the first Black congresswoman. Years later, Chisholm would follow up her congressional run with a historic run for president.

The new film focuses on Chisholm’s campaign and how it galvanized an entire generation of people. More importantly, how “the Chisholm Trail was populated by young people who sought social and political change during one of the most turbulent times in American history.” It was Chisholm’s time in Congress that gave her the confidence to run for president, realizing “that she could make real change by challenging the status quo through her efforts to gain enough delegates to speak for the people at the Democratic Convention.”

While Chisholm didn’t win the presidential election, her courage, political savvy and “unbought and unbossed” attitude awakened something in voters and changed the political landscape as we know it. The new film will be directed by Cherien Dabis and written by Emmy nominated screenwriter Adam Countee. Stephanie Allain’s Homegrown Pictures will produce with Gabrielle Ebron on board as executive producer.

According to Deadline, actress Uzo Aduba recently won an Emmy for her role as Chisholm in the FX series “Mrs. America.”

No word yet on when “The Fighting Shirley Chisholm” will be released, but we can’t wait!

Congratulations, Danai!

Photo Courtesy of LA Times/Associated Press

In Interviews&profile August 6, 2019 By Esther Ijewere

UZO ADUBA SET TO PORTRAY SHIRLEY CHISHOLM IN NEW FX SERIES “MRS. AMERICA”

The work of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected into U.S. Congress, will be displayed in a new limited series coming to FX called “Mrs. America.”

Emmy-winning actress Uzo Aduba will play Chisholm, who represented New York’s 12^thcongressional district from 1969 to 1983 and who became the first Black female candidate from a major political party to run for president.

According to The Root, FX said in a press release that the limited series will tell “the story of the movement to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), and the unexpected backlash led by a conservative woman named Phyllis Schlafly, played by [Cate] Blanchett. Through the eyes of the women of that era – both Schlafly and second wave feminists Gloria Steinem, Betty Friedan, Shirley Chisholm, Bella Abzug and Jill Ruckelshaus – the series explores how one of the toughest battlegrounds in the culture wars of the 70s helped give rise to the Moral Majority and forever shifted our political landscape.”

Aduba is one of 11 actors who have been selected so far to play in the nine-episode series that will premiere in 2020. The series, which is written by Emmy-winning producer Dahvi Waller, is executive produced by Waller, Coco Francini, Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck and Blanchett.

The FX series will be the second portrayal of Chisholm coming up as Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis will also portray the politician and civil rights activist in a movie that she is producing at Amazon Studios. According to Deadline, Maggie Betts will direct the screenplay that will be written by Emmy-nominated writer Adam Countee.