A repository of women’s grassroots social activism in Brooklyn since 1945
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About Us

In the spirit of Chisholm’s legacy as a path-breaking community and political activist, the Project works to maintain a body of archival materials and educational programming that follows the many paths she pioneered. The archive includes materials that represent the wide range of women’s grassroots activism throughout the borough.
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Recent Posts

“Shirley Chisholm in Her Own Words” Available to Purchase Today

Shirley Chisholm in Her Own Words: Speeches and Writings is available to purchase today! In the midst of her groundbreaking twenty-year career in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm once declared, “Everyone—with the exception of the black woman herself—has been interpreting the black woman.” Edited by SCP Director Zinga A. Fraser, the leading scholar dedicated to the study of Chisholm’s legacy, Shirley Chisholm in Her Own Words gives readers a rare opportunity to engage with the congresswoman’s powerful ideas in her own voice. Many Americans are familiar with Chisholm’s importance as the first Black woman in Congress and the first […]

Fmr. Secretary Clinton Visits “Shirley Chisholm at 100” Exhibition

In an interview for CBS News’ Sunday Morning program, former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton discussed her political career amidst the broader story of women’s political activism in the United States. “Changing the Face of Democracy: Shirley Chisholm at 100,” an exhibition curated by the Shirley Chisholm Project and the Museum of the City of New York, served as the backdrop of that interview. You can go way back into the 19th century and the early suffragists…I stand on [their] shoulders, and have passed on the baton to the next generation, just as Shirley did. And so, when I […]

Dr. Fraser Discusses the Chisholm Coalition on ABC’s “Sunday Extra”

In a wide-ranging interview on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s “Sunday Extra” this weekend, ”SCP Director Zinga A. Fraser discussed the origins and the global impact of Shirley Chisholm. The interview comes after Vice President Kamala Harris followed in Chisholm’s footsteps to become the first woman of African and South Asian ancestry to win a major party presidential nomination. Fighting Political Invisibility During her interview with host Julian Morrow, Dr. Fraser explained that Shirley Chisholm’s political rise began at the grassroots level, rooted in a simple desire to “become part of the process to ensure that there were services for her […]

“Shirley Chisholm in Her Own Words” edited by Dr. Zinga Fraser Will Release in October

The First Collection of Chisholm’s Writings In the midst of her groundbreaking twenty-year career in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm once declared, “Everyone—with the exception of the black woman herself—has been interpreting the black woman.” Edited by SCP director Zinga A. Fraser, Shirley Chisholm in Her Own Words gives readers a rare opportunity to engage with the Congresswoman’s powerful ideas in her own voice. This book, edited by and with an introduction by Dr. Fraser, is the very first compilation of speeches and writings by Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm. This long-overdue treatment of her work establishes Chisholm as […]

Co-Curators Zinga Fraser and Sarah Seidman Appear on Inside City Hall with Errol Louis

On Thursday, Dr. Zinga A. Fraser and Dr. Sarah Seidman appeared on NY1’s Inside City Hall to discuss the MCNY exhibition they co-curated, “Changing the Face of Democracy: Shirley Chisholm at 100.” During Thursday’s Inside City Hall segment, host Errol Louis described the Congresswoman’s continuing presence in Brooklyn. “We claim her in Brooklyn as a leader who technically is not here, but in spirit is almost everywhere. Her name gets mentioned in nearly every political gathering you can go to in Brooklyn.” “Now—but she wasn’t for a long time,” Dr. Fraser pointed out, describing the long road to generating the […]

“Changing the Face of Democracy:” A SCP-MCNY Collaboration Opening June 14th

We are excited to announce the opening of the very first major exhibit on the life and legacy of Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm. The new exhibition, “Changing the Face of Democracy: Shirley Chisholm at 100” is co-curated by SCP Director Dr. Zinga A. Fraser in partnership with the Museum of the City of New York. This exhibit is part of the Chisholm Project’s Centennial Celebration of Chisholm’s birthday. For over 17 years the Chisholm Project has been sole organization that has maintained an archive and public programming that ensures Chisholm political and historical legacy is remembered. This Spring we kicked off […]

SCP Director on the “SHIRLEY” Chisholm Trail

For the past two weeks, SCP Director Zinga A. Fraser has been on the Shirley Chisholm trail, spreading the word about the new film by Participant media and the pathbreaking figure behind the movie. SHIRLEY depicts Shirley Chisholm’s 1972 campaign for the presidency and the people whose lives she changed along the campaign trail. It was produced and stars Regina King and was directed by John Ridley. Dr. Fraser worked closely with King, Ridley, and the Participant production team as a historical advisor to bring the Congresswoman’s political passion, determination, and radical humanism to life on screen. March 12th: Screening […]

3/14/24: SHIRLEY Screening at the Brooklyn Academy of Music

Last night, Zinga A. Fraser, Director of the Shirley Chisholm Project at Brooklyn College, gave introductory remarks before last night’s Brooklyn screening of SHIRLEY. Dr. Fraser, who served as a historical advisor for the film, observed that the Congresswoman is too often remembered as a caricature, but the new film offers a powerful portrait of her humanity. About three years ago, Regina King (who portrayed Shirley Chisholm) and John Ridley (the film’s writer and director) visited the Shirley Chisholm Project Archives at the Brooklyn College Special Collections as part of their years-long collaboration with Dr. Fraser on the film. Throughout […]

“Shirley” Will Stream on March 22nd

Dr. Zinga A. Fraser, Director of the Shirley Chisholm Project at Brooklyn College, worked closely with the filmmakers as the historical consultant for the new biographical film “Shirley.” Produced by Participant Media and streaming on Netflix on March 22nd, “Shirley” tells the story of Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm’s audacious campaign to change U.S. politics. Academy Award-winning actress Regina King stars as Chisholm with John Ridley writing and directing the film. It was always a little disheartening for Reina and I to have so many people over the years of our lives not know who Shirley Chisholm was,” King says. “What she […]

“Changing the Face of Democracy”: A MCNY/Chisholm Project Exhibit

The Shirley Chisholm Project is proud to announce our partnership with the Museum of the City of New York to produce the first major exhibit centering the life and legacy of Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm. Beyond her well-known political feats, Chisholm’s impact resonates deeply, transcending both her congressional district in Brooklyn and the U.S. stage. Now, as we enter another major election year, this is a poignant moment to showcase the depth of her role, not just as a catalyst for change among the political establishment of the time, but also as bold inspiration for a new wave of people running […]

Dr. Fraser Speaks with Lisa Rozner on CBS New York

On February 26th, Lisa Rozner of CBS New York spoke with a number of New York City leaders to illuminate the legacy of Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm. Among them was Dr. Zinga A. Fraser, Director of the Shirley Chisholm Project on Brooklyn Women’s Activism. In her interview with Lisa Rozner, Dr. Fraser explained that it was the substance of Congresswoman Chisholm’s 1972 presidential campaign, not just its novelty, that made it exceptional. She says ‘I am going to insert a discussion around the policies that the men around the table wouldn’t acknowledge.’ Chisholm is talking about LGBTQ rights; Chisholm is talking […]

She Ran to Transform Policy: Dr. Fraser discusses Chisholm on WNYC

“What was she trying to achieve by running for president?” This was the question posed by Brian Lehrer to Dr. Zinga A. Fraser on the Peabody Award-winning program The Brian Lehrer Show. Originally airing in 1989 under the title On the Line, the WNYC broadcast combines interviews with influential figures with insights from listeners. In response to Lehrer’s question, Dr. Fraser emphasized the practical significance of Shirley Chisholm’s 1972 campaign for the presidency: She’s really trying to change the platform. She’s trying to not only bring in new and vibrant people into the Democratic party, and she’s really trying to […]

“Uplifting Black Girlhood in Times of Political Struggle”: Tuesday, 10.10.23

What does it mean to be a Black girl in America in 2023? How does today’s contentious social and political climate affect their dreams, their sense of self, and their well-being? How have depictions of girlhood in Black women’s literary imagination impacted the present struggle for freedom? To address these questions, Shirley Chisholm Project is proud to host the next event in our Shirley Chisholm Conversation series: “Uplifting Black Girlhood in Times of Political Struggle.” Our guest speaker will be Dr. Janaka Bowman Lewis, who will engage with Chisholm Project Director Dr. Zinga A. Fraser on the themes of her […]

“The Battlefront is the Classroom!” Join the Discussion on March 27th.

Kicking off the Shirley Chisholm Project’s Conversation series, “The Battlefront is the Classroom” will explore the issues of public education, culture wars, the Black struggle for independent schooling, and critical race theory through the lens of Shirley Chisholm’s career as an educator and congresswoman. The event will be held Monday, March 27th from 11am to 12pm in Woody Tanger Auditorium, located in the Brooklyn College Library. Seating in the auditorium will be on a first-come basis. Those who cannot attend in person can be a part of the even via Zoom. Some of the topics we will explore include: Why […]

Dr. Zinga Fraser To Moderate Panel on ‘The Chisholm Effect’

On February 25th, ASALH will co-sponsor a very special in-person “matinee” featuring the new critically-praised play Campaign 72, based on the life of Shirley Chisholm, who defied expectations when she became the first Black woman to run a major campaign for President in 1972. The play will take place at the Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (THEARC) in Washington, DC to be followed by a dynamic discussion panel on what planners are calling “The Chisholm Effect.” Campaign 72 is produced by the Multi-Media Training Institute, a DC-based non-profit, youth and young adult training, and production company. Dr. Zinga A. […]

TODAY: Dr. Zinga Fraser & Tavis Smiley Discuss Chisholm’s Life & Legacy

On this day in 1924, the Hon. Shirley Chisholm was born in Brooklyn! Today, the Director of the Chisholm Project, Dr. Zinga A. Fraser, will join Tavis Smiley on his show on KBLA 1580 Talk Radio to discuss the Congresswoman’s incredible life of service, significance and activism. The talk will take place from 2pm to 3pm. To watch it, watch it on the KBLA 1580 app or go to kbla1580.com. We will also be posting the broadcast on this website and on our social media. Don’t miss it!

The Chisholm Project Welcomes Our Spring 2023 Intern: Mrs. Jessica Louis!

The Shirley Chisholm Project is proud to introduce our Spring 2023 intern: Brooklyn College student, aspiring attorney and housing justice advocate Mrs. Jessica Louis. Jessica Louis is a returning student at Brooklyn College. She is currently in her senior year of study, working towards two undergraduate degrees. She is pursuing dual degrees – a B.A. in Africana Studies and a B.A. in Political Science. Upon the completion of her coursework at Brooklyn College, Mrs. Louis plans to further her education by continuing with her dream of going to law school. Mrs. Louis plans on concentrating on Real Estate Law. She […]

Today in 1964, a Teacher-Organizer Became Assemblywoman

“I was the best-qualified nominee, and I was not going to be denied because of my sex.” —-Shirley Chisholm, reflecting on her decision to run for the NY State Assembly. On November 3rd, 1964 Shirley Chisholm won her election to become Assemblywoman for New York’s 17th assembly district. During her campaign to join the state legislature, she faced significant opposition from political insiders and community members who scoffed at the idea of a woman in politics. Chisholm proved them wrong, becoming a highly effective legislator. As assemblywoman, she advanced legislation to aid domestic workers, promote child welfare in the workforce, and she helped […]

“I Have Paved the Way:” Today in 1972, Shirley Chisholm Makes Her Mark at the Democratic National Convention

As a presidential candidate 50 years ago, Shirley Chisholm made a solemn vow to the marginalized people of America: she would not yield, she would not stop, and she would take her fight all the way to the Democratic National Convention. She believed that Black people and other racial minorities, women and the working class deserved a voice at the convention who truly advocated for their interests. On July 13th 1972, the Congresswoman made good on that promise. Although a handful of other Democratic candidates had already dropped out—including a one-time frontrunner—Chisholm kept fighting until the end. At the DNC, […]

Today in 1972, Shirley Chisholm Declares ‘a New Era’ in U.S. Politics

“We are entering a new era in American politics in which we must, as Americans, demand stature and size from our national leadership—leadership which is fresh, leadership which is open, and leadership which is receptive to the problems of all Americans.” [From Shirley Chisholm’s campaign announcement. January 25th, 1972] On January 25th 1972, Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm made a momentous announcement. She would become the first Black woman to seek a major party nomination for the presidency of the United States. She made her declaration at Concord Baptist Church in Bedford Stuyvesant, New York. In her announcement, she declared that “a […]

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Our Team

Zinga A. Fraser

Director of The Shirley Chisholm Project

Dr. Zinga A. Fraser is an author, lecturer, historical consultant and philanthropist. She is the Director of the Shirley Chisholm Project on Brooklyn Women’s Activism. Dr. Fraser is currently an Assistant Professor in the Africana Studies Department and Women’s and Gender Studies program at Brooklyn College. Dr. Fraser is a foremost expert on Shirley Chisholm and Black Congressional Women and Black feminist politics.

Jessica Louis

Spring 2023 Intern

Jessica Louis is a returning student at Brooklyn College. She is currently in her senior year of study, working towards her undergraduate degrees. She is pursuing dual degrees – a B.A. in Africana Studies and a B.A. in Political Science.

Torrese Arquee

Administrative Assistant

Torrese Arquee received a Bachelor of Arts in Women’s and Gender Studies at Brooklyn College. During his undergraduate studies, he conducted independent research on Shirley Chisholm with Dr. Zinga Fraser through the Mellon Transfer Student Research Program.

Learn more about the Chisholm Project Team

A repository of women’s grassroots social activism in Brooklyn since 1945

Archives

Oral Histories

Student Engagement

Public Events & Conversations

Upholding the Legacy

…