Regina King Stars As Shirley Chisholm In Netflix’s ‘SHIRLEY’
SHIRLEY. Regina King as Shirley Chisholm in Shirley.
Photo Credit: Cr. Glen Wilson/Netflix © 2023.
By: Joshua Martin
Oscar-winning actress and award-winning producer Regina King will portray the trailblazing political icon Shirley Chisholm in an upcoming Netflix film titled Shirley. The film will chronicle her journey from becoming the first Black woman elected to Congress in 1963, representing New York’s 12th district, to her groundbreaking run for the United States presidency in 1972—the first Black woman to seek a major party’s nomination for President, running as a Democrat.
Netflix recently released the official trailer, showcasing the unforgettable moment when, in front of an all-Black audience, Chisholm announced her run for the presidency on January 25th, 1972.
“I am not the candidate of black America, although I am Black and proud. I am not the candidate of the women’s movement of this country, although I am a woman and I’m equally proud of that. I am not the candidate of any political policies or fat cats or special interests. I stand here now, without endorsements from any big-name politicians or celebrities or any other kind of prop. I do not intend to offer you the tired clichés that have too long been accepted as part of our political life. I am the candidate of the people of America. ”
However, the trailer only provides a small glimpse into her powerful story.
“SHIRLEY tells the story of the first Black Congresswoman and political icon, Shirley Chisholm, and her trailblazing run for president of the U.S. It chronicles her audacious, boundary-breaking 1972 presidential campaign.”
King has long admired Chisholm’s spirit, spending nearly 15 years working with her sister Reina King to develop the movie.
The real Shirley Chisholm in 1972.
Photo Credit: UNIVERSAL HISTORY ARCHIVE/UNIVERSAL IMAGES GROUP VIA GETTY
“It was always a little disheartening for Reina and me to have so many people over the years of our lives not know who Shirley Chisholm was. What she did was so pioneering. She was a true maverick, and, you know, we use this term all the time, but she was a true first.”
American screenwriter John Ridley signed on to direct and write the film, along with King. His sister Reina King, Anikah McLaren, and Elizabeth Haggard are tabbed as producers. Shirley will also star Terrance Howard, the late Lance Reddick, Lucas Hedges, Amirah Van, and more.
Shirley is set to be released this spring on Netflix on March 22, 2024.
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Email: Joshua@247LCTV.com