“If they Source don’t give you a seat at the table, bring in a folding chair.”
Exclusion hurts. We have all felt the sting of being left out of important conversations. Perhaps you were overlooked for a meeting. Maybe a decision was made without your input. In these moments, you face a critical choice. You can accept the silence, or you can make some noise. This powerful quote champions the latter option. It serves as a timeless reminder of personal agency. Specifically, it tells us to create space for ourselves when others refuse to make room.
This metaphor resonates deeply in today’s world. It speaks to women, minorities, and anyone pushing against the status quo. Instead of waiting for permission, you must take action. You must value your own voice enough to force it into the dialogue. Consequently, this simple phrase has become a rallying cry for activists and leaders everywhere. But where did this wisdom come from? To understand the power of the folding chair, we must first identify its source.
Uncovering the Origins of the Quote
Political history is full of memorable lines. However, the true authors often get lost over time. For years, people have attributed this specific quote to various influential figures. Some sources point to local politicians. Others credit modern activists. Yet, the trail leads back to one specific powerhouse of American politics. Understanding the true origin adds weight to the words. It grounds the metaphor in a legacy of genuine struggle and triumph.
The Donna Brazile Connection
Investigating the source brings us to a specific piece of evidence. Source In 2005, People magazine published a tribute article. This piece appeared shortly after the death of a political icon. In the article, strategist Donna Brazile shared a memory. She recounted advice she received from her mentor. Brazile recalled the mentor saying, “If you wait for a man to give you a seat, you’ll never have one! If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring in a folding chair.” .
This is the earliest documented instance of the phrase. Therefore, we can confidently attribute these words to Shirley Chisholm. Chisholm was not just offering a catchy slogan. She was sharing a survival strategy. She lived this reality every day of her political career. Her advice to Brazile was born from hard-won experience. Thus, the folding chair represents Chisholm’s own path to power.
Who Was Shirley Chisholm?
To fully appreciate the quote, you must know the woman behind it. Shirley Chisholm was a force of nature. In 1968, she became the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress. This was a monumental achievement. However, she did not stop there. Chisholm shattered another glass ceiling in 1972. She became the first Black candidate for a major party’s nomination for President of the United States. She also became the first woman to run for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination.
Chisholm faced immense opposition. The political establishment often tried to sideline her. They ignored her ideas. They marginalized her presence. Yet, she refused to stay quiet. Her campaign slogan, “Unbought and Unbossed,” perfectly captured her spirit. She did not wait for the establishment to welcome her. Instead, she brought her own chair. She forced the country to listen. Consequently, her legacy provides the perfect context for her famous advice.
Decoding the Metaphor
Why does this specific imagery work so well? The metaphor relies on two powerful symbols: the table and the folding chair. First, consider the table. In business and politics, “the table” represents the center of power. It is where leaders make decisions. It is where they allocate resources. If you are not at the table, you are on the menu. Being excluded means you lack influence. It means others control your fate.
The Power of the Folding Chair
In contrast, the folding chair represents disruption. It is not a permanent fixture. It is portable. It is humble. Yet, it is functional. Bringing a folding chair is an act of defiance. It signals that you are prepared. You did not expect a warm welcome, but you came anyway. Furthermore, it shows ingenuity. You found a solution to a structural problem. You did not demand that they build you a seat. You brought your own.
This action changes the dynamic of the room. Suddenly, the established leaders must acknowledge you. You have physically inserted yourself into their space. Therefore, the folding chair is a symbol of self-reliance. It rejects the role of the victim. It embraces the role of the disruptor. This mindset is essential for anyone fighting for equity.
Modern Applications of the Philosophy
Today, Chisholm’s words echo through various movements. We see this philosophy in corporate boardrooms. We see it in community organizing. For example, employee resource groups often act as “folding chairs” within large companies. They create space for underrepresented voices. Similarly, social media allows activists to bypass traditional gatekeepers. They build their own platforms. They bring their own chairs to the digital table.
Barbara Lee’s Tribute
Representative Barbara Lee helps keep this legacy alive. Lee, a protegee of Chisholm, frequently cites the quote. In 2015, Lee released a statement honoring Chisholm. She urged Americans to heed Chisholm’s wisdom. Lee noted, “I encourage all to heed her words of wisdom: ‘If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.'” By repeating this, Lee ensures new generations understand the source of their power. We must acknowledge the lineage of this activism.
How to Bring Your Own Chair
Applying this advice requires preparation. You cannot simply demand attention. You must have something valuable to say. First, do your homework. Understand the issues discussed at the table. Knowledge is your ticket inside. Second, build alliances. A folding chair is harder to remove if others support your presence. Find allies who are already in the room. Ask them to make space for you.
Overcoming Fear
Bringing a chair is scary. You might face rejection. People might look at you strangely. However, you must push through this discomfort. Remember Chisholm’s journey. She faced racism and sexism daily. Yet, she persisted. When you feel afraid, visualize her determination. Realize that your presence benefits the group. Diversity of thought leads to better decisions. Therefore, your chair is a gift to the table, even if they don’t realize it yet.
Conclusion
Shirley Chisholm left us more than just a political legacy. She gave us a blueprint for self-advocacy. The metaphor of the folding chair remains relevant because exclusion still exists. Gatekeepers still try to lock doors. However, we have the key. We have the power to validate our own presence. We do not need to wait for an invitation. We can build our own opportunities. So, the next time you feel shut out, remember Chisholm. Don’t complain about the seating arrangements. Grab a folding chair and get to work.