In this episode, we’re live at PodFest Berlin! DLS co-founders Katy Derbyshire and Florian Duijsens do the introducing, while DLSP Producer Susan Stone tells us about the amazing life of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress (in 1968). Four years later, Shirley was the first Black person and the first woman to run for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination. She was known for her hard work on behalf of equal rights, introducing legislation that helped women and children, workers and the poor. Additionally, she was called the “best dressed woman on Capitol Hill” for her sharp style. Shirley’s legendary campaign slogan was “Unbought and unbossed,” and she kept the philosophy throughout her long political career. Shirley never wanted to be remembered as the “first” this or that, but as someone who fought for change and blazed a path for those like her in politics. Her legacy is undeniable. 

Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Pocket Casts. You can download the transcript, created by Susan, here.

Show notes:

Shirley with Rosa Parks

Inspiring readers…

You can watch Shirley’s full speech declaring her presidential bid here.

Shirley’s style!!

See recent advice for the current Democratic presidential candidate in the Guardian: “the style lesson Kamala Harris can learn from Shirley Chisholm”.

Read more in Shirley’s own books: Unbought and Unbossed and The Good Fight, or in Barbara Winslow’s biography Shirley Chisholm, Catalyst for Change.

Thanks to PodFest Berlin’s Dan Stern, Eman Khallouf, and Grace Hamdam, as well as Ben Currey from House of Color. 

Our theme music is “Little Lily Swing” by Tri-Tachyon. 

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Thanks for listening! We’ll be back with a new episode next month.