Unbought and Unbossed

by Shirley Chisholm

Overview

In this classic work—a blend of memoir, social criticism, and political analysis that remains relevant today—the first Black Congresswoman to serve in American history, New York’s dynamic representative Shirley Chisholm, traces her extensive political struggle and examines the problems that have long plagued the American system of government.

“A tremendously impressive book.” —Washington Post

“What [Chisholm] did was so pioneering. . . . She embraced what made her different and used it as her superpower.” —Regina King

“I want to be remembered as a woman . . . who dared to be a catalyst of change.” Political pioneer Shirley Chisholm—activist, member of the House of Representatives, and former presidential candidate—was a woman who consistently broke barriers and inspired generations of American women, and especially women of color. Unbought and Unbossed is her story, told in her own words—a thoughtful and informed look at her rise from the streets of Brooklyn to the halls of Congress. Chisholm speaks out on her life in politics while illuminating the events, personalities, and issues of her time, including the schism in the Democratic party in the 1960s and ’70s—all of which speak to us today.

In this frank assessment, “Fighting Shirley” recalls how she took on an entrenched system, gave a public voice to millions, and embarked on a trailblazing bid to be the first woman and first African American President of the United States. By daring to be herself, Shirley Chisholm shows how one person forever changed the status quo.

Look out for the biopic Shirley, directed by John Ridley and starring Regina King, coming in March 2024.

“Her motto and title of her autobiography—Unbought and Unbossed—illustrates her outspoken advocacy for women and minorities during her seven terms in the U.S. House of Representatives.” —National Women’s History Museum

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780063160873
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	11/08/2022
Pages:	224
Sales rank:	59,121
Product dimensions:	5.20(w) x 7.80(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Shirley Chisholm was the first black woman elected to the U.S. Congress in 1969 and was re-elected six times until she retired in 1983. While in office, she spoke out for civil rights and women’s rights, advocated for the poor, and opposed the Vietnam War. In 1972, she was the first African American person to run for the Democratic Nomination for President of the United States. In 2015, she was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama. Chisholm wrote the autobiographical works Unbought and Unbossed (1970) and The Good Fight (1973).

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments ix

Introduction xi

Part I Growing Up

1 Early Years in Barbados 3

2 Back to Brooklyn 12

3 College Years 25

4 Starting in Politics 33

Part II Getting There

5 Teaching, Marriage, and the Political Arena 49

6 In the State Assembly 64

7 Running for Congress 75

8 Breaking the Rules 91

Part III Speaking Out

9 The Speech Against the War 109

10 How I View Congress 117

11 Facing the Abortion Question 133

12 The Lindsay Campaign and Coalition Politics 145

13 Black Politicians and the Black Minority 157

Part IV Looking Ahead

14 A Government That Cannot Hear the People 183

15 Women and Their Liberation 193

16 Youth and America's Future 201