Tag: Shirley Chisholm

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Podcast #75: Shirley Chisholm

In this episode, we’re live at PodFest Berlin! DLS co-founders Katy Derbyshire and Florian Duijsens do the introducing, while DLSP Producer Susan Stone tells us about the amazing life of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress (in 1968). Four years later, Shirley was the first Black person and the first woman to run for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination. She was known for her hard work on behalf of equal rights, introducing legislation that helped women and children, workers and the poor. Additionally, she was called the “best dressed woman on Capitol Hill” for her sharp style. Shirley’s legendary campaign slogan was “Unbought and unbossed,” and she kept the philosophy throughout her long political career. Shirley never wanted to be remembered as the “first” this or that, but as someone who fought for change and blazed a path for those like her in politics. Her legacy is undeniable. 

Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Pocket Casts. You can download the transcript, created by Susan, here.

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PodFest Berlin 2024: Anna Göldi & Shirley Chisholm!

We’re delighted to invite you to our third appearance at PodFest Berlin as we celebrate a first and a last for some notable Dead Ladies!

Florian, Katy, and Susan will be presenting a mini-Dead Ladies Show at the podcast festival on Saturday, September 14th starting at 4pm (doors open 3:30pm) at House of Colour (HOCO), Gneisenaustrasse 66–67, Aufgang E, 1st Floor, 10961 Berlin.

Susan will tell the timely tale of the first Black woman to run for the American presidency, and Katy will reprise the story of the last woman to be legally executed after being accused of witchcraft in Switzerland (auf Deutsch, this time). See below for more information on the two ladies in question, who will, as always, be presented in a messy mixture of English and German.

Tickets are €11.83 (including booking fees), or you can purchase day passes and event passes from PodFest Berlin that include the many exciting things going on between September 7–15, including workshops, panels, seminars, and other events! Please book in advance here.

See you soon!

SHIRLEY CHISHOLM was the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress, in 1968. Four years later, she was the first Black person and the first woman to run for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination. Once in Congress, she worked to get surplus food into the hands of those who needed it most and tried to implement federal funding for childcare. She did succeed in giving domestic workers the right to minimum wage, and she pointed out to the women’s movement that women of color faced multiple forms of discrimination. After her death in 2005, her vault in Buffalo was inscribed with her legendary campaign slogan: “Unbought and unbossed”.


ANNA GÖLDI was the last woman to be legally executed after being accused of witchcraft in Switzerland, in 1782 – that’s just seven years before the French Revolution. From a poor family, she worked as a maid in various households. In 1781 she was looking after a young girl who allegedly began spitting up needles. Her wealthy employers accused her of witchcraft, and she was tortured until she admitted being in league with the devil. She was sentenced to death by decapitation for poisoning, even though the girl had not died. Not until 2007 was her case acknowledged as a miscarriage of justice.

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Dead Ladies Show NYC #5

We’re kicking off WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH in style with the DEAD LADIES SHOW!

This, our fifth go-round, will occur on Wednesday, 6 March, from 7:00-9:00pm at the KGB Bar (85 East 4th Street).

This time around, we’ll learn about the accomplishments of a Chinese revolutionary, one of the first attorneys of color in the USA, and the first woman of color in Congress. Presented by a dream team of three fifth-grade teachers who are ready to school the patriarchy: MELANIE SABROWSKE, HIAB DEBESSAI, and CLAIRE O’LAUGHLIN. As usual, there will also be a smattering of bad jokes told by your host, MOLLY O’LAUGHLIN KEMPER.

Free admission; please buy a drink or two to ensure the future of DLS NYC at KGB.

Qiu Jin

QIU JIN (1875-1907) was a Chinese feminist, writer, and revolutionary. Throughout her short life, Qiu Jin fought relentlessly for the rights of women, daring to defy her country’s strict patriarchal norms.

Eunice Hunton Carter

EUNICE HUNTON CARTER (1899-1970) was an American lawyer and United Nations committee member. One of the first attorneys of color in the United States, Carter built the case for and developed the strategy to successfully convict infamous mafia kingpin “Lucky” Luciano.

Shirley Chisholm

SHIRLEY CHISHOLM (1924–2005) was an educator, politician and author. A lifelong advocate for the rights of women, children and people of color, she was the first woman of color in Congress—holding her seat as representative from the 12th district of New York for seven terms. She was also the first person of color to run for president of the United States from either of the two major political parties, and the first woman to run as a Democrat.

Last but not least, a quick word about your presenters:

MELANIE SABROWSKE is a middle-school teacher from Voluntown, Connecticut.

HIAB DEBESSAI is an Eritrean-American middle-school teacher, born and raised in Haslett, Michigan.

CLAIRE O’LAUGHLIN is also an educator in Brooklyn and aspires to be like Chisholm in other ways, too, particularly “unbought and unbossed.”