Watch Chisholm '72: Unbought & Unbossed

Chisholm '72: Unbought & Unbossed is a powerful documentary film that explores the historical and groundbreaking campaign of Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman to be elected to Congress. The film is directed by Shola Lynch and features a cast including Shirley Chisholm herself, Walter Cronkite, and George Wallace. The documentary provides much-needed insight into Chisholm's bold and trailblazing path. Throughout the film, viewers are given a glimpse into the challenges that Chisholm faced as a nontraditional candidate running for president in 1972. From political backlash to ingrained cultural prejudices, Chisholm encountered numerous obstacles in her journey towards national recognition.

Despite these challenges, Chisholm remained steadfast in her determination to represent the voices of those who had previously been ignored by American politics. Her campaign emphasized issues that were often overlooked, such as civil rights, anti-poverty initiatives, and women's rights.

The film is structured around a series of interviews with Chisholm's former campaign team, friends, and family members. These interviews are interspersed with archival footage of Chisholm's campaign speeches and rallies, as well as news coverage from the time. This structure works effectively to contextualize Chisholm's candidacy and provide a nuanced understanding of the political climate of the 1970s.

Throughout the film, Chisholm's charisma and unwavering commitment to justice shine through. She was a fierce advocate for the underrepresented and marginalized, and her campaign served as a rallying cry for the progressive movement of the time.

The documentary also addresses the historical significance of Chisholm's candidacy, particularly in relation to gender and race. Chisholm's campaign was a milestone for women's representation in politics, and it paved the way for future female presidential candidates. However, as the film notes, Chisholm's legacy is often overlooked in mainstream discussions of feminism and civil rights. The documentary effectively draws attention to this oversight and highlights the importance of paying homage to Chisholm's pioneering work.

One of the most compelling aspects of the film is its examination of the backlash that Chisholm faced from the political establishment. As a black woman from Brooklyn, Chisholm was met with resistance and hostility from many of her white male colleagues in Congress. This resistance is exemplified in a poignant scene of Walter Cronkite interviewing Chisholm about her candidacy. In the interview, Cronkite asks if Chisholm thinks it's "too soon" for a woman or a black person to run for president. Her response is simple and direct, but it speaks volumes about the entrenched prejudices Chisholm was up against.

Overall, Chisholm '72: Unbought & Unbossed is a must-see documentary that highlights the importance of protecting and valuing the voices of the underrepresented. Through its candid portrayal of Chisholm's campaign, the film reminds us of the power of challenging the status quo and fighting for justice. The documentary is a testament to Chisholm's enduring legacy and serves as a source of inspiration for future generations of activists and leaders.

Chisholm '72: Unbought & Unbossed is a 2004 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 16 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 73.