Danai Gurira to Play First Black Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm in Film Chronicling Historic Presidential Run

Danai Gurira (The Walking Dead, Black Panther) has signed on to play the historic political figure Shirley Chisholm in the film The Fighting Shirley Chisholm, which will chronicle the political trailblazer’s 1972 presidential run and her road to becoming the first black congresswoman in the US. Cherien Dabis will direct the film, from a script written by Adam Countee.

Variety reports the film is not a biopic, but is instead “focused more centrally on the campaign and how ‘the Chisholm Trail was populated by young people who sought social and political change during one of the most turbulent times in American history.’ At the time, Chisholm had already made history as the first Black congresswoman, and according to a description of the piece, ‘recognized that she could make real change by challenging the status quo through her efforts to gain enough delegates to speak for the people at the Democratic Convention.’”

Viola Davis was once attached to star in the project, and Uzo Aduba won an Emmy for portraying the political icon in the FX miniseries Mrs. America.

This sounds like a great fit for Gurira, who has a history of playing strong leading women. This is a story I am excited to know more about. Are you interested?