Netflix’s release of the biopic Shirley is well-timed to highlight inspiration and empowerment for Women’s History Month. The story demonstrates Shirley Chisholm’s journey in her historic run for President of the United States in 1972. Inspired by Regina King’s stellar performance and intrigued by Shirley’s story, I wanted to learn more and share why Shirley is this week’s inclusion hero. Let’s begin by briefing ourselves on how this impactful leader contributed to a more inclusive nation.
Shirley Chisholm’s legacy lives on and leaves us with inclusive leadership lessons to inspire us. We should pick up the baton and continue pushing for inclusion in the workplace, no matter the challenges that stall our efforts.
Lesson One: Inclusive Leaders Are Role Models Who Challenge The Status Quo!
Shirley Chisholm was a role model for inclusive leadership. She understood the power of representation to impact decision-making and drive actual change, and she believed in authenticity. These are important principles of inclusive leadership.
She was the first Black Woman elected to Congress, serving from 1968 until 1983, which included a historic bid for the highest office. Her occupation title did not bother her; she pushed for female representation at the highest level, noticing the opportunity gap that lacked diversity while promoting sameness. Even now, 52 years later, the representation for the highest office has yet to accommodate female representation in the form of the Presidency role. Shirley Chisholm strived to change the status quo. She remained courageous despite counsel and constant threats; she persevered, and her legacy allowed more women to enter the political space.
Insights into Shirley’s feelings on representation are shown below in her quote:
“It is obvious that discrimination exists. Women do not have the opportunities that men do. And women that do not conform to the system, who try to break with the accepted patterns, are stigmatized as odd and unfeminine.”
The film displays Shirley’s strength and humanity in connecting with advisors, opponents, her team, and her family. With each challenge, Shirley perseveres, even when she has to accept the outcome of her Presidential bid. The audience has a front-row seat as Shirley balances the challenges of navigating race, gender, and religious affiliation. She did not compromise the essence of who she was as a leader. Instead, she prioritized character and religious beliefs over winning.
“I want history to remember me… not as the first black woman to have made a bid for the presidency of the United States, but as a black woman who lived in the 20th century and who dared to be herself. “— Shirley Chisholm
Lesson Two: Inclusive Leaders Walk The Talk And Champion Inclusive Causes
Shirley Chisholm was passionate about and an advocate for women’s issues. As mentioned earlier, an important scene in the movie involved Shirley being given counsel opposing her religious beliefs. She followed her moral compass despite pushback. In essence, Shirley’s words and actions aligned.
According to an article by Debra Michals for the National Women’s History Museum, she championed legislation supporting racial and gender equity. For example, Chisholm was hugely influential in prioritizing the passing of the Equal Rights Amendment. Her gift of language and persuasion helped combat challenges that threatened to stall the amendment.
Shirley Chisholm can inspire inclusive leaders and teach them strategies for staying the course when challenged to create inclusive change.