Black History Month is a time for reflection, celebration, and recognition of the individuals who have shaped history through resilience, courage, and groundbreaking achievements.
But this year? There’s an undercurrent of tiredness. Maybe it’s just me, but I know I’m not alone. It’s been whispered in private messages, expressed diplomatically in meetings, and hinted at in social media posts. Some of us are just... tired. Tired of being tokenized, tired of cleaning up other people’s messes, tired of being seen as “other.” At some point, we just want to be seen as people—not by the color of our skin, but by our interests, our talents, and even the roles we play in the lives of those around us.
And then, there’s the whole DEI conversation—oh boy. Somehow, thanks to some folks down South, DEI has practically turned into a slur, a shorthand for “undeserving Black person.” I cannot count the number of times I’ve seen a comment like, “Must have been a diversity hire” usually directed at Black or South Asian professionals. As if the entirety of DEI initiatives was created solely for Black people. Let’s be real—90% of people in the workplace today have benefited from some form of DEI initiative. But somehow, the conversation has shifted to questioning whether Black professionals truly deserve their positions. But that’s a rant for another day.
Instead, let’s talk about Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm (in bold because I gotta put some respect on her name!)
I recently watched a movie about her on Netflix (one of those days I was truly glad I hadn’t canceled my subscription in a fit of annoyance over price hikes). Before watching, I knew embarrassingly little about her. But after? Whew! The powerhouse of a woman truly left an impression.
Shirley Chisholm was the FIRST Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress. The film showcases how she refused to stay in the token role she was handed and instead fought her way to becoming a legitimate contender for the U.S. presidency (even though she didn’t win). What I admired about Shirley wasn’t just her ambition—it was her determination. The betrayals, the discouragement, the blatant discrimination she faced?—none of it stopped her. She wasn’t pushing for fame or clout; she just genuinely wanted to help people.
Her story hit home for me as someone who has hearing loss and is a Black woman. Shirley fought to make sure that disadvantaged people had access to the same opportunities that others took for granted. She pushed for policies that made education, employment, and social justice fairer for those in marginalized positions. While watching, I couldn’t help but think about the countless people who paved the way for me to be in the spaces I now occupy—spaces that, 60 years ago, would have been near impossible.
As someone with hearing loss, I know what it’s like to have my presence questioned the moment people realize I can’t hear the way they do. I’ve had to fight for accommodations that others don’t even think twice about. I’ve had to work twice as hard just to be taken seriously. Chisholm’s unwavering determination reminded me that our limitations—whether imposed by society or by circumstance—do not define just how incredible we can become.
One of the things I loved most about Shirley Chisholm was her audacity to dream big. She didn’t just settle for Congress—she made history again in 1972 by becoming the first Black woman to seek a major party’s nomination for President of the United States. And let me tell you, she faced some of the worst racism and sexism imaginable. Even Black men, who should have been in her corner, often preferred to back white men over her. Yet, she stood firm, declaring, “I am not the candidate of Black America, although I am Black and proud. I am not a candidate for the women’s movement of this country, although I am a woman and equally proud. I am the candidate of the people of America.” (Hallelujah somebody!)
Imagine the audacity! A Black woman running for president in 1972?! People thought it was laughable. The opposition was fierce, the attacks were personal, and the barriers seemed insurmountable. And yet, she persisted.
That hit home for me because I know what it’s like to be dismissed before I’ve even had a chance to prove myself. I’ve had people outright tell me, “You can’t do this job because you can’t hear your stakeholders.” Not because I lacked skills, but because I wasn’t given the tools or accommodations I needed to succeed. (Spoiler alert: I’m quite good at my job, thank you very much.) It’s a surreal experience, constantly being underestimated / disqualified before you’ve even been given a chance. That’s why I admired how Chisholm fought tooth and nail to create spaces for herself rather than waiting for an invitation to the table.
The most inspiring thing about Shirley Chisholm is the legacy she left behind. A legacy that made it possible for women like Kamala Harris to become Vice President of the United States. Representation matters, and Shirley’s story is a reminder of the power of perseverance, of speaking truth to power, and of never letting others define your limits.
As we close out Black History Month 2025, I remind myself not just to remember Shirley Chisholm’s achievements but to embody her spirit. To persist when I feel unheard, to push through limitations—whether due to race, gender, or disability—and to never, ever be silenced.
Until next time!
