If you've explored this blog a little bit you know who I am voting for in the next presidential election. (See here, for example.) That (hoped/prayed for) campaign will have grounding in a historical presidential campaign by an African American. I'm not talking Jesse. (And there also have been others.)
I'm talking about Shirley Chisholm.
Just a quick entry today. (And I know I owe one from yesterday.) But please take time to browse the Chisholm '72: Unbought and Unbowed site: http://www.chisholm72.net/
This excerpt from the synopsis of the documentary is so relevant today, as I reflect on the meaning (and relevance) of "Black History Month" and as I wonder about the future of democracy in this country:
CHISHOLM ’72 explores the question of whether she succeeded or failed. While she did not win the nomination, the “Chisholm for President” campaign inspired countless grass roots people to get politically active such as Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) who at the time was a student and single-mother on public assistance. Is that success enough? How do we evaluate her contribution to American history and politics? What does it mean to participate in American democracy? And, the question many people ask today: Why bother to participate at all? The lessons from Chisholm’s campaign address these questions and allow us to reflect on the current state of voter participation and presidential politics in light of Election 2000 and looking ahead to Campaign 2004.
Posted by perry032 at February 18, 2005 12:36 PM | TrackBack