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I watched this 2004 film just a few weeks ago. To call it timeless doesn’t fully appreciate it. It transcended motivational. Afterwards, I was tempted to enter my hat in the 2008 Presidential Race.

Chances are, however, I lack the drive, vision, singular passion and discernment she displayed so fearlessly. I don’t mean this in a way that detracts from my many skills and talents. If anything, this film encouraged me to be everything I can possibly be.

Chisholm knew she was an underdog. And she undoubtedly lacked the tools we have today. But, she ran so each one of us would know what we were capable of. She spoke eloquently and convincingly to the place inside us that knows something is wrong when such a great nation is so divided. She says “and therefore in the most beautiful possible, bloodless revolution at the DNC we can get together a ticket that is reflective of all different segment that make up this great land called America.” I am sure that on some level she must be aware of her divine, prophetic essence. I watched agape, and transfixed by her aura of dignity, inherent goodness, and honesty.

The documentary footage is compelling and exciting to watch. The exposed layers of underhandedness, self-reproach, fear, misogyny or just plain ol’ political maneuvering from the National Organization for Women, Congressional Black Caucus and Black Panthers is beyond educational and frightening. This film is a must. For young, black professionals. For high school students. For those on any campaign trail. For human beings. Her cause, her purpose, her banner were the same: “the institutions of this country belong to all of the people who inhabit it.”