John Ridley’s Netflix American biographical drama film Shirley is about one black woman who went through all the troubles to make her voice heard. Unlike others, she is the bold woman who dares to talk straight with the Speaker of the House and challenge his decision. Her commitment and determination toward the people of the nation make her a real-life inspirational idol for many.
The film follows the life of Shirley Chisholm (Regina King) and her journey from being a schoolteacher in New York to electing to the United States Congress. Shirley Chisholm was frustrated by being assigned to the Agriculture Committee, after which she went directly to the Speaker of the House, Speaker McCormack, to speak out. However, Shirley is soon faced with reality when Speaker McCormack shows her his authority as Speaker of the House.
Why Did Shirley Resist Speaker McCormack’s Decision?
Unhappy to get assigned to the Agricultural Committee, Shirley feels she cannot help the people of Brooklyn with agriculture, so she demands Veterans Affairs. However, Ron Dellums (Dorian Missick) explains to Shirley that everyone has to do the same in their first year. Even he did the same things in the first year.
Despite all his warnings, Shirley went straight to the House of the Speaker, John W. McCormack, and argued over his decision.
However, after exchanging some comments, Shirley learns the reality when Speaker McCormack shows her his authority as Speaker of the House.
What Happens In 1972?
Technically speaking, 1972 is when Shirley Chisholm decided to run for the Presidential election. This decision came after the Committee to Elect Chisholm in Floride raised 10000 dollars more than Shirley asked. However, Wesley McDonald (Lance Reddick) and others are against her decision. According to them, running a token campaign may cost her 300,000 dollars.
However, after seeing Shirley’s determination and commitment, Mac, Conrad Chisholm (Michael Cherrie), and Arthur Hardwick Jr. (Terrence Howard) decide to help with her presidential campaign. Mac will help Shirley with the campaign manager, and Arthur take responsibility for raising 300,000 dollars. Moreover, Conrad Chisholm is always there for Shirley and will remain the same.
What Is Stanley Townsend’s Contribution To Shirley Chisholm’s Campaign?
In 1972, while running for president, Shirley Chisholm found a light of hope in the form of Wesley McDonald, who arranged campaign manager ‘Stanley Townsend (Brian Stokes Mitchell)’ for her 1972 presidential campaign. His experience and enthusiasm for the prospect of working on the campaign made him an ideal candidate for campaign manager.
However, before he does what he is good at, he suggests Shirley decide how she wishes to convey her message to the people of America. With little to no experience in Campaigns, Stanley suggests to Shirley that he is signing on for an underfunded operation, but before that, she should meet the voters to gain their trust and support.
Stanley Townsend and Shirley Chisholm launched the most effective and understandable campaign on 25 January 1972.
She raised several issues in her campaign speech and asked everyone to join her to regain society and regain control of destiny. On the other hand, Ron Dellums endorses Shirley and asks others to support her.
Why Shirley Wants To Sue The Networks?
Stanley Townsend and Wesley McDonald informed Shirley about the networks and their debate schedules. They explain Shirley hasn’t invited any of them. According to the networks, Shirley does not meet the threshold.
However, after understanding the situation, Shirley suggests Mac and Stanley sue the networks. She argued that the FCC mandates broadcasters to provide equal opportunity to any opposing political candidate.
With no money for the campaign and wanting to sue the networks, Stanley asks Robert Gottlieb (Lucas Hedges) to be their lawyer and fight their case against the networks.
However, after their case appeared in the appellate court, Robert informed Shirley and others that the judgment had come in their favor. According to the judgment, ABC has to include Shirley in the debate.
Why Did Shirley fire Stanley Townsend?
Technically speaking, Stanley Townsend is the first to start an argument and want to leave the campaign. Honestly, he did the right thing because some people stole money from the Chisholm presidential campaign, and they had to take the blame. Moreover, people start demanding their money back from the Chisholm campaign.
Stanley Townsend feels that the Chisholm campaign is nothing more than a joke. He pointed out that you have no organization, no infrastructure, and people stealing out from under your noses. However, after hearing out Stanley, Shirley fires him personally.
His complaining all the time makes Shirley sick, and this is the reason for him getting fired.
What Happened In The End Of Shirley?
Shirley Chisholm releases all of her pledged delegates after her best friend Ron Dellums and gives his full endorsement to Senator George McGovern. Hearing all this from Ron broke Shirley completely and released his delegates. Furthermore, she thanked everyone for their support and apologized for letting them down.
At the end of Shirley, from Babara Lee, representative of the 13th Congress District of California, Shirley Chisholm opened the door for everybody and gave confidence that they too could run.
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