Mayor Eric Adams has proclaimed that Friday, August 18, 2023 will be Bella Abzug Day in honor of the World Premiere of BELLA!.
Mayor Eric Adams has proclaimed that Friday, August 18, 2023 will be Bella Abzug Day in honor of the World Premiere of BELLA!.
Bella Abzug, whose full name is Bella Savitsky Abzug, was an American lawyer, politician, and women's rights activist. She was born on July 24, 1920, and passed away on March 31, 1998. Abzug is best known for her outspoken advocacy for civil rights, women's rights, and social justice.
Abzug gained prominence in the 1960s and 1970s as a fierce advocate for women's equality and empowerment. She was a co-founder of the National Women's Political Caucus and played a significant role in promoting women's participation in politics. In 1970, she was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, becoming one of the first women to serve in Congress as a representative from New York.
During her time in Congress, Abzug continued to be a vocal advocate for women's rights, civil rights, and peace. She was known for her distinctive style, often wearing large hats and being unafraid to challenge the status quo. Abzug worked on legislation related to issues such as gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and environmental protection.
One of her most notable achievements was co-sponsoring and helping to pass the Title IX amendment to the Higher Education Act, which prohibits sex-based discrimination in educational institutions that receive federal funding. This amendment had a profound impact on increasing opportunities for women in education and sports.
Bella Abzug's political career and activism left a lasting legacy, inspiring generations of women to become more involved in politics and fight for equality. Her work paved the way for the progress that has been made in women's rights and social justice since then.
Look for my interview with the director of BELLA!, Jeff L. Liberman, tomorrow.