Shirley Chisholm in Her Own Words - (Hardcover)

About the Book

"In the midst of her groundbreaking career in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm once declared, 'Everyone--with the exception of the black woman herself--has been interpreting the black woman.' Edited by the leading scholar dedicated to the study of Chisholm's legacy, Shirley Chisholm in Her Own Words gives readers a rare opportunity to engage with the Congresswoman's powerful ideas through the power of her own voice. The introduction by Dr. Zinga A. Fraser, Director of the Shirley Chisholm Project on Brooklyn Women's Activism and author of a forthcoming book on Chisholm and Black Congressional women's political legacy, provides insight into Chisholm's role as a public intellectual and Black feminist during the Civil Rights and Black Power era"--

Book Synopsis

"A timely, detailed, and inspiring book that helps maintain the intellectual legacy of Shirley Chisholm. The book reveals new dimensions of the congresswoman's politics, activism, and spirit."--Regina King, Academy Award-winning actor and star of Shirley

Looking beyond her political symbolism to celebrate not only who Shirley Chisholm was but who she is--a revolutionary thinker with much to teach us today.

In the midst of her groundbreaking twenty-year career in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm once declared, "Everyone--with the exception of the black woman herself--has been interpreting the black woman." Edited by Zinga A. Fraser, the leading scholar dedicated to the study of Chisholm's legacy, Shirley Chisholm in Her Own Words gives readers a rare opportunity to engage with the congresswoman's powerful ideas in her own voice.

Many Americans are familiar with Chisholm's importance as the first Black woman in Congress and the first woman and African American to run for president with either major party. This long-overdue treatment of her work establishes Chisholm as an unparalleled public intellectual and Black feminist both in her time and now. The book not only contextualizes the Civil Rights and Black Power era; it also provides timeless insights on issues that are exceedingly relevant in our current moment. Featuring a captivating introduction by Fraser, Shirley Chisholm in Her Own Words introduces a new generation to one of the most impactful proponents of democracy in America.

From the Back Cover

"Shirley Chisholm In Her Own Words: Speeches and Writings is a timely, detailed, and inspiring book that helps maintain the intellectual legacy of Shirley Chisholm. The book reveals new dimensions of the congresswoman's politics, activism, and spirit. As the editor, Zinga Fraser shows an understanding of Chisholm that motivates us to listen closely to her enduring voice in this political moment."--Regina King, Academy Award-winning actor and star of Shirley

"There's no better way to know someone than through their own words. Fraser's book is an invaluable resource for anyone looking for insight into who Shirley Chisholm was both as a politician and as a person."--John Ridley, director and screenwriter of Shirley

"This pioneering collection of the writings and speeches of public intellectual, politician, and activist Shirley Chisholm establishes her as one of the most influential and productive Black feminists of the twenty-first century, though she has been too often forgotten in contemporary histories of the women's liberation movement in the U.S. Her bold call for all women in the U.S. to be 'revolutionaries' is one example of her radical vision of a world free of racism, sexism, poverty, class hierarchies, war, colonialism, and capitalism. A must-read, and a reminder of bell hooks's claim that 'feminism is for everybody.'"--Beverly Guy-Sheftall, Founding Director of the Women's Research and Resource Center and Professor of Comparative Women's Studies at Spelman College

Review Quotes

"It is exhilarating to read Chisholm's visionary reflections on the promise of Black Studies programs, criminal justice reform, sexism and racism in the media, and the importance of building multiracial and multiethnic movements along the lines of what the Reverend Jesse Jackson would eventually describe as a 'Rainbow Coalition.'"-- "The Progressive"

"Studying Chisholm's work can be a roadmap for understanding our current state of democracy, Dr. Fraser said. It also begs the question of whether society has truly progressed since her time."-- "The Brooklyn Reader"

"Potent and relevant pieces by a groundbreaking Black politician."-- "Kirkus Reviews"

About the Author

Zinga A. Fraser is Assistant Professor of Africana Studies and Women's and Gender Studies at Brooklyn College and Director of the Shirley Chisholm Project on Brooklyn Women's Activism.