From the moment that Shirley Chisholm stepped through the patio doors at The Inn at Saratoga on July 18, she captivated her audience of League members and friends. Her press secretary (played by Lezlie Dana) had primed the audience with campaign signs, buttons and palm cards.

Using Shirley’s own words and speeches , Kim Wafer portrayed Shirley Chisholm as the feisty, politically savvy, feminist, black activist that she was. And she looked the part – down to the black and white jacket Shirley was often photographed wearing. Kim captured Shirley’s sense of humor and had the “crowd” laughing and cheering for “Chisholm for President.”

Listening to reprises of Shirley Chisholm’s speeches from her 1972 run for the Democratic Party nomination for President, we wished she’d been successful in the things she called for: getting big money out of politics; equal opportunity for all; quality, affordable childcare; not using our military to support dictators; investing in people’s needs. We couldn’t help “getting on the Chisholm Trail.”

Shirley Chisholm appeared at the League of Women Voters of Saratoga County’s Famous Person Fundraiser for a breakfast presentation at socially distanced tables separated by more than 6 feet. The event was planned by Carol Glansberg and her committee. Two baskets of Brooklyn and Chisholm themed items were won by Zoe Nousianien and Donna Dardaris.

For those who had planned to attend before the pandemic struck the event is now on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzoZlW2EoKc&feature=youtu.be