BIRTHDAY:
July 24th, 1920
ABOUT HER
Bella Abzug was the first person to be elected to Congress on a platform
of women's rights and peace. She has worked as a peace activist, labor
lawyer, lecturer, news commentator, civil liberties advocate, and as
a U.S. representative.
She co-founded
the National Women's Political Caucus and co-authored the Freedom of
Information and Privacy Acts, which restricted the FBI's right to withhold
information from the public. She cast one of the first votes for the
Equal Rights Amendment. She has been a tireless worker for women and
minority rights, disarmament, and the environment.
One of the strongest
supporters for the United States' withdrawal from the Vietnam War in
the 1970s, Bella Abzug was also the first person from Congress to call
for President Nixon's impeachment.
Her trademarks
of blunt speechs and wide-brimmed hats helped to make her the icon she
is of a strong resourceful woman.
At present, she
is chair of New York City's Commission on the Status of Women and is
directing a National Parity Campaign to increase the number of women
in elective office.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
"Bella! Ms. Abzug Goes to Washington," Bella Abzug, Saturday
Review Press, 1972
Gender Gap: Bella Abzug's Guide to Political Power for American Women,
Bella Abzug with Mim Kelber
Bella Abzug, Doris Faber
QUOTE
"Women have been trained to speak softly and carry a lipstick.
Those days are over."