Regina King Tells Shirley Chisholm’s Story With New Film
Regina King is educating the world about the trailblazing politician Shirley Chisholm in her new film, Shirley.
The 53-year-old actress told NBC News that many people do not know about Chisholm’s legacy, stating, “Our understanding and awareness of Shirley Chisholm was mostly through our mother. And then as we became young adults, we realized that so many people, not white people but black people would have no idea who we’re talking about when we mentioned her name.”
In the film, King stars as Chisholm during her 1972 campaign for president of the United States. Chisholm was the first Black woman to be elected to Congress and the co-founder of the Congressional Black Caucus. Chisholm also introduced 50 pieces of legislation to the House of Representatives. Her hard work led to positive changes, such as the increase in minimum wage and the expansion of the food stamp program.
The film is based on a true story and shows Chisholm’s character navigating each obstacle in her run for the presidency. Her campaign slogan, “Unbought and Unbossed,” emulated who she was and stood as a promise to her supporters that she worked for the people’s interest rather than those in power. She does not accomplish her goal of becoming president. However, she does make history.
Through her work, Chisholm created a long-lasting legacy that King and her sister, Reina King, wanted to make known.
The sisters have worked on the film for 15 years and produced it through their company, Royal Ties Productions. They worked alongside Oscar Award winner John Ridley, who wrote and directed it.
Along with portraying her political journey, “Shirley” also captured other aspects of Chisholm’s life, such as her inner circle and strained relationship with her sister, Muriel St. Hill, who Reina King stars as. Regina King paid close attention to getting her Bajan accent right and including her signature gap. Special efforts were also made to emphasize the nuances of her public interactions during her campaign.
“I could see and understand that she was a strategist and communicator and understood the importance of all the different styles and ways she would need to communicate for not just messaging, but as a congresswoman to get things done, and work across party lines,” King stated.
“Shirley,” is now available on Netflix. It is a highly recommended film honoring a political icon.
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