Bella Savitzky Abzug
Personal Information
Born: 1920
Died: 1998
Country of Birth: USA
Nationality: USA
Ethnicity: White
Education
Hunter College BA Political Science 1942; Columbia University LLB 1944; Jewish Theological Seminary of America
""It was during these visits to the synagogue that I think I had my first thoughts as a feminist rebel. I didn't like the fact that women were consigned to the back rows of the balcony." (wikipedia.org); "I've been described as a tough and noisy woman, a prizefighter, a man-hater, you name it. They call me Battling Bella." (wikipedia.org); "working women work hats. It was the only way they would take you seriously," (biography.com); "There are those who say I’m impatient, impetuous, uppity, rude, profane, brash, and overbearing. Whether I am any of these things, or all of them, you can decide. . . . But whatever I am . . . I am a very serious woman." (wams.nyhistory.org); "
— Bella Savitzky Abzug
Professional Life
Field of Study: Lawyer; Politician; Activist
Institution/Corporation: Bella Abzug Institute
Degrees & Memberships: Member: Democratic Party; US House of Representatives (1971-77); Hatzair; WEDO; National Women's Political Caucus; Commission for Women’s Equality of the American Jewish Congress; Women USA;
Awards & Achievements
Awards: 1991 Maggie Award, Planned Parenthood Foundation; 1994 National Women's Hall of Fame; 1994 Medal, Veteran Feminists of America; 1997 Blue Beret Peacekeepers Award, United Nations; 2017 named 1 of 50 Women Who Made American Political History, Time magazine; several landmarks in NYC are named after her
Achievements: 1990 with Mim Kelber cofounded the International Women's Environment & Developmental Organization (WEDO) to provide visibility & support for working women; 1971 joined other leading feminists such as Gloria Steinem, Shirley Chisholm, and Betty Friedan to found the National Women's Political Caucus; was a founder of the Commission for Women’s Equality of the American Jewish Congress; authored two books, Bella: Ms. Abzug Goes to Washington and The Gender Gap, the latter co-authored with friend and colleague Mim Kelber; founded the grassroots organization Women USA; at the UN, Abzug developed the Women's Caucus; helped organize the Women Strike for Peace (1961) and the National Women’s Political Caucus; authored or co-authored several historic bills, including Title IX, a bill prohibiting sex discrimination in educational opportunities by schools receiving Federal funding assistance (though Title IX did not mention athletics, it became known most prominently for its impact on high school and college sports), the Freedom of Information Act, and the first law banning discrimination against women with respect to obtaining credit; 1974 introduced the Equality Act, the first federal gay rights legislation;
a leading figure in what came to be known as eco-feminism
first campaign slogan was, "This woman's place is in the House—the House of Representatives."
even in her youth, she was competitive
ran the cash register at her father's deli as a young girl
through high school she took violin lessons
was admitted to the New York Bar in 1945
nickname was Battling Bella
took violin lessons throughout high school
as a lawyer specialized in labor rights, tenants' rights, and civil liberties cases
was an outspoken advocate of liberal causes, including the Equal Rights Amendment, and opposition to the Vietnam War as well as the military draft
worked for the American Civil Liberties Union and the Civil Rights Congress
was a participant in Women Strike for Peace
was one of the first members of Congress to support gay rights, introducing the first federal gay rights bill, known as the Equality Act of 1974, with fellow Democratic New York City representative Ed Koch (later Mayor of NYC)
was frequently verbally abusive toward staff members
was known for her colorful and vibrant hats, and was seldom seen without one
traveled in a wheelchair during her final years
battled breast cancer for several years
died from complications following open heart surgery
applied to the Harvard Law School but she was rejected because of her gender
was editor of the Columbia Law Review
defended many people who had been accused of communist activities by Senator Joseph McCarthy
she ate macrobiotically, swam regularly, and played poker
her campaign offices almost always featured day care
liked to say she was “born yelling,”