Regina King is set to hit the screen this March, stepping into the iconic shoes of political trailblazer Shirley Chisholm in an upcoming film that dives deep into her groundbreaking run for the presidency. Back in ’72, Chisholm made history as the first Black candidate to chase a major party’s nomination for the highest office in the United States. But even before that, in ’68, the Brooklyn native, who faced uphill battles at every turn, is a name that should be on everyone’s lips. Born to a Barbados-born maid and a Guyanese laborer, she shattered ceilings by becoming the first Black woman elected to the US Congress.

The cinematic masterpiece, aptly named “Shirley,” is the brainchild of Oscar-winning writer and director John Ridley, the genius behind “12 Years a Slave.”

Joining King, who’s not just taking the lead on-screen but also rocking the producer’s hat, are some heavy hitters, including Lance Reddick, Lucas Hedges, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Christina Jackson, Michael Cherrie, Dorian Crossmond Missick, Amirah Vann, W. Earl Brown, Brad James, and Reina King. Plus, André Holland and Terrence Howard add an extra layer of star power to the mix.

King, has been on a 15-year hustle with sister Reina to bring this movie to life. “What she did was so pioneering. She was a true maverick,” King shared with Harper’s Bazaar. And can we talk about the fact that so many folks don’t know about Chisholm’s legacy? Well, Regina and Reina are here to change that.

And why drop the flick on March 22, 2024, during an election year? King spills the tea: “Instead of trying to release it during any normal cycle, we thought, Wouldn’t it be more impactful to release it during a presidential election year?” She added, “As a team, we felt that is probably the best way we could possibly honor Shirley: to release her in a space that she created for herself.”

Chisholm, who left an indelible mark before passing away at the age of 80 in 2005, faced an uphill battle throughout her journey. Representing New York’s 12th congressional district for seven terms from ’69 to ’83, she took a resolute stand against economic, social, and political injustices. Chisholm’s legacy is one of unwavering support for black civil rights and women’s rights, making her a true force in American political history.