Changing the Face of Democracy:
Shirley Chisholm at 100
Museum of the City of New York
Through July 20, 2025
“Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm announcing her candidacy
for the presidential nomination Cong. Chisholm,
Cong. Charles B. Rangel, Cong. Parren Mitchell,
Cong. Bella Abzug,” January 25, 1972,
Library of Congress, LC-U9-25384- 7B
Celebrating more than a century as New York’s storyteller, the Museum of the City of New York presents, Changing the Face of Democracy: Shirley Chisholm at 100, which is on view through July 20, 2025. As the first major museum presentation dedicated to the legendary Shirley Chisholm, it delves into the life and legacy of this trailblazing legislator, whose contributions to our nation’s public policy endure today.
Changing the Face of Democracy: Shirley Chisholm at 100 marks the centennial of the late Chisholm’s birth. It seeks to ignite the same charismatic spark and passion for democratic processes that fueled Chisholm's policy work and grassroots campaigning. The exhibition unfolds in the Museum's second-floor North Gallery, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the multi-dimensional story of this barrier-breaking figure.
The exhibition promises a multifaceted exploration of Chisholm's journey via three captivating sections: Brooklyn Life, Political Career, and Legacy. It weaves a tapestry of Chisholm’s life and times using historical artifacts, photographs, archival footage, and art.
Changing the Face of Democracy: Shirley Chisholm at 100 examines the impact of a woman whose advocacy shaped politics and policies. It highlights Chisholm's Caribbean heritage and her position as a diasporic figure, delving into her pioneering significance as the first Black woman Brooklyn sent to the state legislature, the first Black woman elected to Congress, and her groundbreaking presidential campaign in 1972. Moreover, it underscores how her legacy reshaped American democracy for future generations of politicians and ordinary citizens alike.
Dr. Sarah Seidman, Puffin Foundation Curator of Social Activism and co-curator of the exhibition, notes, "In Changing the Face of Democracy: Shirley Chisholm at 100, we aim to explore Shirley Chisholm’s endeavors and her enduring influence. From championing causes like reproductive justice, tackling food insecurity, to advocating for voting rights, the exhibition examines how this singular figure emerged from diverse New York networks to serve as a catalyst for change. These networks illuminate Chisholm's impact on the past, present, and future of New York City."Dr. Zinga A. Fraser, co-curator of the exhibition and Assistant Professor in the Africana Studies Department and Women's and Gender Studies Program, as well as the Director of the Shirley Chisholm Project on Brooklyn Women's Activism at Brooklyn College, shares, “The inclusion of the Chisholm Project's oral histories in the exhibition serves as poignant reminders of Chisholm's contemporary relevance, underscoring not only her groundbreaking achievements but also the ongoing resonance of her legacy globally. Showcasing Chisholm as a figure whose influence transcends generations, Changing the Face of Democracy hopes to inspire a new wave of political engagement, reaffirming the enduring relevance of her contributions."
Changing the Face of Democracy: Shirley Chisholm at 100 - Key highlights include:
• Rarely exhibited paintings from the 1970s by Faith Ringgold
• A costume worn by Regina King in the 2024 Netflix film "Shirley"
• A vibrant Carnival headdress designed by Kenneth Antoine, paying homage to the annual West Indian Day Parade, which Chisholm helped establish in Brooklyn in 1969.
• Memorabilia from Chisholm's inaugural presidential campaign
• Portrait of Shirley Chisholm by Sherman Beck
• A collection of photographs and mementos from Chisholm's early life, including her wedding portrait and college diploma
• Materials from Chisholm’s first political campaign intended to topple machine politics in Brooklyn
• An iconic image of Chisholm captured by the renowned photographer Richard Avedon
• Oral histories that offer personal insights into Chisholm's enduring legacy, featuring contemporary perspectives from figures such as Gloria Steinem, Sonia Sanchez, David Dinkins, and Basil Paterson
MUSEUM OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK
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