Get prepared like Shirley Chisholm

Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman elected to Congress and to seek a major party's presidential nomination, exemplified how setting a clear vision for social justice can overcome significant barriers and make a lasting impact, as captured by her motto, "Unbought and Unbossed."

Shirley Chisholm made a plan to run for President in 1972 centered on building a broad coalition of marginalized communities, including African Americans, women, and young people, to challenge the political status quo. Her platform focused on civil rights, women's rights, ending the Vietnam War, and promoting economic justice. Despite facing significant racism and sexism, her campaign relied on grassroots mobilization, media outreach, and small donor fundraising to make a historic impact and inspire future generations. Another time Chisholm made a plan was when she filed a lawsuit against media networks for equal access when she was denied from going on the debate stages and positively impacted regulations to be more inclusive.

Think locally and nationally like Fannie Lou Hamer

Fannie Lou Hamer was a civil rights activist whose local and practical approach through the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party showcased the effectiveness of grassroots solutions in addressing community needs.

Fannie Lou Hamer, a civil rights activist, became widely known for her tireless efforts to secure voting rights for African Americans in the 1960s. Her method of voting down-ballot, or voting for all candidates of a particular party from top to bottom, was driven by her commitment to the Democratic Party, which she believed was more aligned with the civil rights movement's goals. Hamer emphasized the importance of participating in all levels of elections, from national to local, to ensure comprehensive representation and progress for African Americans and marginalized communities.

Get organized like Ella Baker

As a pivotal Civil Rights movement organizer she emphasized grassroots organizing and founded key organizations like the SCLC and SNCC to empower ordinary people and drive social change.

Ella Baker supported her squad by empowering local leaders and emphasizing the importance of community-based organizing, believing that ordinary people should lead their own movements. She mentored and trained young activists, notably within the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). Baker advocated for participatory democracy, ensuring that everyone had a voice in the decision-making process. Her approach fostered sustainable grassroots organizations and inspired a new generation of civil rights leaders.

Build the People's Power like Stacey Abrams

Stacey Abrams is a political leader and voting rights activist whose work, particularly through Fair Fight, demonstrates the power of grassroots organization in expanding voter access and creating systemic change.

Stacey Abrams applied pressure through strategic voter mobilization, advocacy for voting rights, and leveraging her influence in political organizing. She founded Fair Fight Action, an organization dedicated to combating voter suppression, expanding voter access, and ensuring fair elections. Abrams also utilized her platform to raise awareness about voter disenfranchisement, engaging in extensive public speaking, media appearances, and writing to highlight these issues. Her efforts were instrumental in registering hundreds of thousands of new voters and significantly impacting electoral outcomes, particularly in Georgia.