In 1970, activist Bella Abzug stormed Congress, taking on Nixon and the patriarchy to fight for women’s rights, civil rights, and LGBTQ+ equality.
American Masters “Bella! This Woman’s Place is in The House” airs Tuesday, March 17 at 9 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streaming on the WXXI app.
During a time when women couldn’t get a credit card in their own name and other marginalized groups were fighting for political, social and economic rights, Bella Abzug became an outspoken leader for equality. She opened The National Women’s Conference, the largest gathering of feminists in US history, which was seen as a turning point for a new wave of feminism. Considered one of the first feminists to be elected to Congress, Abzug challenged an almost all-male Congress head first, blazing a path for future gender equality in all aspects of American government. In celebration of Women’s History Month, follow the meteoric rise of this firebrand politician and activist on this American Masters presentation.
Photo: Bella
Credit: Bettye Lane