A More Perfect Party

The Night Shirley Chisholm and Diahann Carroll Reshaped Politics

By: Juanita Tolliver

Narrated by: Juanita Tolliver

A riveting account of the once-in-an-era party, hosted by Diahann Carroll for Shirley Chisholm’s 1972 presidential campaign, that laid out a blueprint to return power to the people and level the playing field for Black women in politics.

In 1972, New York Representative Shirley Chisholm did more than break the ice in American politics when she became the first Black woman to run for President of the United States. Chisholm left behind a coalition-building model that was personified in one Hollywood party hosted by legendary actress and singer Diahann Carroll. In A More Perfect Party, MSNBC political analyst Juanita Tolliver presents a path to people-centered politics through the lens of this soiree, with surprising parallels to our current electoral reality.

When Diahann Carroll opened the doors of her opulent Beverly Hills home to a VIP crowd of movie stars, media moguls, music executives and activists, she knew her guests were in for a night to remember. Chisholm worked the room, forging relationships with laughter and easy conversations as she urged guests to unify behind her campaign. With the feminist movement on the rise and 18 to 20-year-olds voting for the first time in American history, the Democratic Party and the nation were on the cusp of long overdue change.

A More Perfect Party explores this monumental coming together of Huey P. Newton, Barbara Lee, Berry Gordy, David Frost, Flip Wilson, Goldie Hawn and others. Chisholm and Huey P. Newton discussed voter turnout and community engagement. She called on leaders of the feminist movement to fortify their support for the sole woman in the race. And her interviews with David Frost challenged media narratives about who is automatically deemed a capable leader. Zooming in on one party attendee per chapter, this book highlights how each of us can approach politics from our respective positions and turn the political tides, particularly for Black women candidates.

A More Perfect Party is what happens when the people collectively answer the call. Tolliver brings this whimsical event out of the margins of history to demonstrate that whether it’s the activist, celebrity, journalist, or newly registered young person, there is an opportunity for us all to fight for a better nation and return power to the people.

©2025 Juanita Tolliver (P)2025 Legacy Lit