Shirley Chisholm

In 1968, Shirley Chisholm (Regina King) became the first Black woman elected to Congress. She’s a standout – especially in the freshman class photo – not just because of her race and gender but because she refuses to abandon her principles in order to fit in. She spars with a good old boy colleague and argues relentlessly with the Speaker of the House (Ken Strunk) – who has ridiculously appointed the New York City congresswoman to sit on the Agricultural Committee – until he gives her a new assignment. “Just don’t ever accept things the way they are,” she says. That’s a philosophy she lived by her entire life and one that made her a true leader. Keeping a promise to her supporters that she would run for President if they raised $5,000 (they ended up raising $10,000), she enters the 1972 race, running on a platform to “Give politics back to the people.”

In 1968, Chisholm became the first Black woman elected to Congress. She’s a standout – especially in the freshman class photo – not just because of her race and gender but because she refuses to abandon her principles in order to fit in. Played lovingly by Regina King, Chisholm is feisty, whipsmart and utterly likeable. With her penchant for McDonald’s and abhorrence for the word “can’t,” she’s easy to relate to – and to aspire to be like. The former schoolteacher, who served seven terms in Congress and introduced more than 50 pieces of legislation, is someone more people should get to know, especially during this important election year.