Bella Abzug Biography

Quick Facts

NAME: Bella Abzug
OCCUPATION: Women's Rights Activist, Anti-War Activist, Lawyer, U.S. Representative
BIRTH DATE: July 24, 1920
DEATH DATE: March 31, 1998
EDUCATION: Walton High School, Hunter College, Columbia University, Jewish Theological Seminary of America

PLACE OF BIRTH: New York, New York
PLACE OF DEATH: New York, New York
Originally: Bella Savitzky

more about Bella

Best Known For

Bella Abzug was a leading liberal activist and politician in the 1960s and 1970s, especially known for her work for women’s rights.

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Bella Abzug

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Synopsis

In the 1960s, Bella Abzug became involved the antinuclear and peace movements and helped organize the Women Strike for Peace in 1961. To promote women’s issues and to lobby for reform, she helped establish the National Women’s Political Caucus with Betty Friedan and Gloria Steinem, and to have a greater impact on the political process, she served in the House of Representatives from 1971 to 1977.

Quotes

"Maybe we weren't at the Last Supper, but we're certainly going to be at the next one."

– Bella Abzug

Profile

Feminist, lawyer, congresswoman, and politician. Born Bella Savitzky on July 24, 1920, in New York, New York. Bold and outspoken, Bella Abzug was a leading liberal activist and politician in the 1960s and 1970s, especially known for her work for women’s rights. She knew from experience the challenges women faced professionally and politically. Abzug had applied to the Harvard Law School, but she was rejected because of her gender.

After graduating from Columbia University’s law school, Bella Abzug worked as a lawyer for a number of years. In the 1960s, she became involved the antinuclear and peace movements. Abzug helped organize the Women Strike for Peace in 1961. To promote women’s issues and to lobby for reform, she helped establish the National Women’s Political Caucus with leading feminists Betty Friedan and Gloria Steinem.

To have a greater impact on the political process, Bella Abzug ran for Congress, winning a seat in the House of Representatives. After taking office in 1971, she fought for women’s rights and objected to the war in Vietnam. After winning re-election twice, Abzug left office in 1977. She made a bid for mayor of New York City, but lost to Ed Koch in the primaries. Abzug continued to work on many causes in the 1980s and 1990s and established the Women’s Environmental Development Organization.

Known for her big hats and an even bigger voice, Bella Abzug left her mark on U.S. politics as a women’s rights champion and determined antiwar activist. She died on March 31, 1998, in New York City, from complications following heart surgery. She was married to Martin Abzug from 1944 until his death; the couple had two daughters.