Bella Abzug
Bella Savitzky Abzug (July 24, 1920 – March 31, 1998), nicknamed "Battling Bella", was an American lawyer, politician, social activist, and a leader in the women's movement. In 1971, Abzug joined other leading feminists such as Gloria Steinem, Shirley Chisholm, and Betty Friedan to found the National Women's Political Caucus. She was a leading figure in what came to be known as eco-feminism.
Bella Abzug | |
|---|---|
Abzug in 1978 | |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York | |
| In office January 3, 1971 – January 3, 1977 | |
| Preceded by | Leonard Farbstein |
| Succeeded by | Ted Weiss |
| Constituency | 19th district (1971–1973) 20th district (1973–1977) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Bella Savitsky July 24, 1920 New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Died | March 31, 1998 (aged 77) New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Martin Abzug
(m. 1944; died 1986) |
| Children | 2 |
| Relatives | Arlene Stringer-Cuevas (cousin) Scott Stringer (cousin) |
| Education | Hunter College (BA) Columbia University (LLB) Jewish Theological Seminary |
In 1970, Abzug's first campaign slogan was, "This woman's place is in the House—the House of Representatives." She was later appointed to co-chair the National Commission on the Observance of International Women's Year created by President Gerald Ford's executive order, presided over the 1977 National Women's Conference, and led President Jimmy Carter's National Advisory Commission for Women. Abzug was a founder of the Commission for Women’s Equality of the American Jewish Congress.