Shirley Chisholm: Champion of Change Interview with Dr. Tonya Allen
Introduction
The sun was shining out of the clouds, though crispy and chilly, the weather did not stop Drake University alum Dr. Tonya Allen from smiling ear to ear, graciously waiting to talk about her latest book, Shirley Chisholm: Champion of Change. Shirley Chisholm was a trailblazer who spearheaded change in politics and paved the way for black women to “become difference makers too.”
What inspired you to write this book?
Dr. Tonya Allen: “Growing up, my dad had always instilled in me the importance of those before us, those who have paved the way, the leaders that have sparked change leading us to today. My inspiration to write about Shirley Chisholm was from my dad, who taught me to always speak up on things that matter the most. Seeing the writing contest, I’ve always wanted to write a book, and Shirley Chisholm was one of the inspirations as well as connected with me as an individual.”
What do you hope people take away from this book?
Dr. Tonya Allen: “I hope people take away from this book, this trailblazer, you can be the first to do something even if not all will support it, and that is ok. To take action, advocacy is the first step, starting in communities, schools, and states. Shirley Chisholm took all of these experiences to the presidency, and even though she didn’t win, she still fought for change.”
How would you advise individuals who are learning to build their perspective?
Dr. Tonya Allen: “Identify the need for the advocacy, or the issue that is or could be arising. Think and process it, being comfortable with sharing it with people close to you. I would also suggest choosing a topic that is personal to you, related to health, school; something that is meaningful and start learning about it from different views, ask those around how they feel about it, older or younger, someone who thinks differently or has a different point of view. Making a difference in community strengthens what people have to say.”
Do you have aspirations to continue writing more novels?
Dr. Tonya Allen: “ Yes, I am inspired by Josie Robinson Johnson (a community organizer) who impacted the lives of many as well as communities. This is my first book, and I hope to hone my writing skills. I hope to get into children’s literature, an opportunity to expand on diverse backgrounds, an opportunity for children to see different identities in literature.”
What advice may you give to young generations or individuals that may feel change isn’t possible?
Dr. Tonya Allen: “Change is always possible. Start small. Ask yourself what is happening in the community and your school that you may notice. For example, undocumented kids. They are facing discriminatory behavior towards them. Don’t let fear stop you from speaking up. Also, recognize your own experiences and talk about them; you may feel that people haven’t experienced what you’ve gone through. One person can connect with five individuals and onward.”
“Sometimes, we go for big change, but we should start small. Another example is that libraries may not have books or authors that may not look like you; bring those issues forth. There are so many avenues that people don’t realize for advocacy, such as sharing their experience and reality in schools, thinking about platforms and opportunities to elevate their voices. When you find something meaningful, you’ll invest more time and get involved in making the world much better.”
In the end, where all hope seems lost, there is always a way.
Interviewed & written by Ninet Ayala