What Happened To Shirley Chisholm After Netflix’s Movie

The new Netflix historical biopic Shirley follows the true story of Shirley Chisholm’s historic 1972 U. S. presidential campaign. Chisholm became the first black American woman to run for President of the United States just one year after becoming the first black woman elected to Congress. Chisholm’s true story marks a landmark trailblazing effort in American politics that is documented and celebrated in Ridley’s exceptional film. Regina King gives a transformative performance as the titular character, showcasing her fierce resolve and unyielding commitment to make history and never give up fighting for equal representation.

The historical biopic stars an outstanding cast led by Regina King, Lucas Hedges, Terrence Howard, Lance Reddick, and Regina’s real-life sister Reina King. The film was also produced by Regina and Reina King as well as Oscar-winning writer/director John Ridley (12 Years a Slave). King is an Oscar and Emmy-winning actor who was recognized for her supporting role in If Beale Street Could Talk (2018) as well as Seven Seconds (2018) and the HBO adaptation of Watchmen (2019). The end of Shirley indicates that Chisholm served seven Congressional terms and introduced more than 50 pieces of legislation throughout her political career.

Chisholm Served In The House Of Representatives Until 1983

After dropping out of the 1972 presidential election following the Democratic National Convention of that year, Shirley Chisholm remained in the House of Representatives until 1983, serving a total of seven terms in Congress. Chisholm served on several different committees during her time in Congress, including the Veterans Affairs Committee from 1969 to 1973. She also was a part of the Committee on Education and Labor from 1971 to 1977 and served on the Committee on Organization, Study, and Review, otherwise known as the Hansen Committee (via the U.S. House of Representatives).

Chisholm was elected assistant secretary of the Democratic Caucus, a position she held from 1975 to 1977. From 1977 to 1981, she served as secretary of the Democratic Caucus before leaving the Education Committee to join the prestigious and powerful Rules Committee in 1977. Chisholm became the first black woman and second woman ever to have a seat on the Rules Committee, which marks another magnificent trailblazing effort of hers in American politics. Chisholm also played a major role in the creation of the Congressional Black Caucus in 1971 and also helped to establish the Congressional Women’s Caucus in 1977.

Chisholm’s Legislative Efforts & Congressional Policies Explained

According to the official website of the U.S. House of Representatives, “Chisholm prioritized educational and labor policies that aided African Americans, women, and the working class and poor.” Some of her most notable legislative efforts were focused on increased funding for childcare centers and support of federal assistance for public education at all levels. “In her efforts to address the needs of the “have-nots,” she often chose to work outside the established system. At times she criticized Democratic leadership in Congress as much as she did the Republicans in the White House.“

Chisholm served as the Secretary of the Democratic Caucus from 1977 to 1981. She stood strongly against the implementation of the military draft during the Vietnam War and advocated for equal rights for women and land rights for Indigenous Peoples. Chisholm was also a major proponent of increasing the minimum wage and supporting disadvantaged groups in various ways. Over time, Chisholm had remained loyal to the Democratic Party but had garnered some political opponents who either disregarded her completely or worked to suppress her positions of authority in Congress.

Chisholm Briefly Taught & Turned Down A U.S. Ambassadorship In Jamaica

Chisholm’s political career as a U.S. Congresswoman ended in 1982 and the historic figure became interested in living a more quiet and private life. Chisholm ultimately divorced her husband, Conrad, and married Arthur Hardwick Jr. in 1977. After leaving Congress, she taught for one year at the all-women Mt. Holyoke College in Massachusetts. In 1984, Chisholm co-founded an organization initially known as the National Black Women’s Political Caucus. She notably turned down an offer from President Bill Clinton to become the U.S. Ambassador to Jamaica and settled down in Florida where she would continue to lecture and write. As stated in Shirley, she died on January 1, 2005, leaving an incredible path for other women to follow.