Bella Abzug (1920-1998) was an American lawyer, congresswoman, and civil rights leader who was a pioneer in the fight for gender equality. She was a passionate and outspoken advocate for women's rights, gay rights, and peace.
Born Bella Savitsky in New York City, Abzug was the daughter of Russian immigrants. She attended Hunter College and Columbia Law School, becoming one of the first women to practice law in the United States. During her career as a lawyer, Abzug represented labor unions and civil rights activists.
In 1970, Abzug was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing the New York district of Greenwich Village. She quickly became a powerful voice in the House, advocating for women's rights and social justice. Abzug was a founding member of the National Women's Political Caucus and helped pass the Equal Rights Amendment. She was also a vocal opponent of the Vietnam War.
In 1976, Abzug was defeated in a bid for the U.S. Senate. She later ran for mayor of New York City in 1977 but was unsuccessful.
Throughout her career, Abzug was a strong advocate for feminist issues. She wrote books and lectured extensively on the subject. In 1978, she helped found the Women's Environment and Development Organization (WEDO). In 1980, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Jimmy Carter.
Abzug remained active in politics until her death in 1998. In her later years, she continued to speak out on issues such as the environment and human rights. She was an inspiration to many feminists and civil rights activists.
Bella Abzug was a trailblazer in the fight for gender equality and an important figure in American politics. Her contributions to the civil rights movement were immense and her legacy will continue to be remembered for generations to come.
