Celebrating the Life of Leading Liberal Activist and Fierce Feminist Bella Abzug
The public honors the memory of Bella Abzug, the late American lawyer, by celebrating her life and acknowledging her impressive mark on #herstory.
Hats off to the progressive attorney and congresswoman on her birthday. On July 24, 1920, the world was graced with one of the most brilliant, bold, and badass women of all time. Abzug was born a mere month before the 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote, and she was forced to navigate a world tainted with bigoted beliefs and rigid, well-established gender roles. Abzug, or better known as “The Battling Bella,” dedicated her adult life to crushing the patriarchy and advancing women’s rights.
Bella Abzug was born 100 years ago on #ThisDayInHistory. She was a bold and outspoken leading activist and political leader in the 1960s and 1970s. Abzug fought for women’s rights and served three terms in Congress. To learn more about #BellaAbzug, visit: https://t.co/Cr8zi8Q82Y
— HISTORY (@HISTORY) July 24, 2020
The unsung feminist hero would have been 100 today. Today, Friday, July 24, we honor Abzug’s memory and revisit her impressive contributions to equal rights. Abzug was a leading light in the long-standing, continuous movement for female empowerment. Not only did she shatter a multitude of glass-ceilings, but she looked good doing it. Abzug was the epitome of beauty and brains: she spitfire and made small-minded chauvinists weep, all beneath her iconic wide-brimmed hats. She worked vigorously to combat deeply ingrained oppressive systems and demand greater opportunities for women and people of color. With the help of fellow activists, Abzug played a pivotal role in the ratification of the revolutionary Equal Rights Amendment.
“Maybe we weren’t at the Last Supper, but we’re certainly going to be at the next one.” – Bella Abzughttps://t.co/wipGXN2Qja
— Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (@CongressmanRaja) July 24, 2020
Abzug was one of merely 15 women to win a seat in Congress, alongside 520 men. Her legendary 1970 campaign slogan, “This woman’s place is in the House — the House of Representatives,” remains ageless. Abzug passionately protested the Vietnam War and Arms Race, publicly defended an African American man wrongfully accused of raping a white woman, and proudly championed worker’s rights.
“This woman’s place is in the House – the House of Representatives.” Today marks the 100th birthday of “Battling Bella,” the women’s rights leader and U.S. Congresswoman Bella Abzug. https://t.co/7vfmxu4ck2 pic.twitter.com/qIYWGYgk6m
— A Mighty Girl (@amightygirl) July 25, 2020
The public calls for a statue to honor the feminist icon.
It is ridiculous that Bella Abzug doesn’t have a statue, even in the (surprisingly decent) park that bears her name. Who doesn’t want a statue wearing a broad-brimmed hat? https://t.co/cqPVBkA8lI
— SusannaDW (@SusannaDW) July 24, 2020
In a world stained with injustice and indoctrinated sexist principles, we, as a nation, continue to strive for growth and improvement. We continue to reexamine dusty, well-established structures, reflect on how their preservation shapes our beliefs, and, in turn, reform antiquated systems that clash with our professed values. The world honors the American heroine by continuing where she left off, advancing the fight for gender equality.
I am a plucky Sophomore at Wesleyan University with a passion for writing, fashion, running, and extremely strong coffee—so strong that it would make a 6’5’’ WWE wrestler weep. I am a small person with a big personality, only intensified by the coffee, that seeps into both my bold street and writing style. I am currently based in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area and am excited to work for such an empowering, female-focused publication. During this trying time in history it is more important than ever for women to continue lifting each other up and spreading positive energy!
