The Shirley Chisholm Project’s oral history collection documents a wide range of perspectives on the the life and work of Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm. The first section is comprised of one-on-one interviews with people who knew or worked with the Congresswoman during her lifetime. Our interviewees include history makers, policymakers, scholars, artists, journalists, educators, and community activists. Also included in our collection are recorded presentations by scholars, policymakers, and activists who have served as Chisholm Day speakers. Finally, the collection also includes remarks from Brooklyn College students on what Shirley Chisholm means to them in the present day.

Our collection represents the largest body or oral histories related to the life and work of Congresswoman Chisholm.

Oral Histories

Interviews by figures who knew or worked with Congresswoman Chisholm

  • Dr. Hazel Dukes
  • Congresswoman Yvonne Brathwaite Burke
  • Muriel Morisey
  • Pam Martinez
  • Jitu Weusi
  • Rhoda Jacobs
  • Wayne Barrett
  • Martha Biondi
  • Janus Adams
  • Barbara Bowen
  • Lizbeth Cohen
  • Henrietta Smith
  • Trudy Mason
  • Nick Stefanizzi
  • Jim Pitts
  • Donald Magin
  • Mark Solomon
  • Vinie Burrows
  • William “Bill” Howard
  • Patricia Shroeder
  • Fmr. Mayor David Dinkins
  • Richard Green
  • Robert Gottlieb
  • Jill Franklin
  • Martha Baker
  • Hon. Marion Humphrey
  • Pauline Barfield
  • Joyce Bolden
  • Nadine Hack

Chisholm Day Addresses and Presentations:

Reflections and insights on Chisholm’s legacy and social activism today

  • Anita Hill, JD
  • Congresswoman Barbara Lee
  • Shola Lynch
  • Brian Purnell
  • Karen Lewis
  • Liza Featherstone
  • Anastasia Curwood
  • Berverly Guy-Shefthall
  • Jumaane Williams
  • Joshua Guild
  • Yvonne Graham
  • Gary Young
  • Jeanne Theoharis
  • Barbara Ransby
  • Premilla Nadasen
  • Julie Gallagher
  • Al Sharpton
  • Diana Reyna
  • Rodneyse Bichotte
  • Laurie Cumbo
  • Frank Leon Roberts
  • Haroon Kharem
  • Gloria Steinem
  • Robin D.G. Kelley
  • Kennetta Hammond Perry
  • Bonnie S. Anderson
  • Donna Brazile
  • Sherie Randolph
  • Christina Greer
  • Niambi Carter
  • Una Clarke
  • Sonia Sanchez
  • Maya Wiley, Esq.
  • Russell Rickford
  • LaTasha Levy
  • Shauna Brown
  • Janaka Bowman Lewis

This page is currently under construction.