Bella Abzug (1920-1998) was a formidable figure in American politics, known for her fierce advocacy of women's rights, social justice, and civil rights. Born Bella Savitzky in New York City to Russian Jewish immigrants, Abzug's passion for social justice was evident from an early age. She attended Hunter College for her undergraduate studies and then went on to Columbia University Law School, where she was one of just a few women in her class.

After graduating in 1947, Abzug began her career tackling civil rights cases and became an outspoken advocate against the death penalty. Her legal career was marked by her willingness to take on difficult and often controversial cases, including defending Willie McGee, a black man wrongly accused of raping a white woman in Mississippi.

Abzug's transition from law to politics was driven by her commitment to effecting broader societal changes. She was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1970 from New York's 19th district, famously campaigning with the slogan, "This woman’s place is in the House—the House of Representatives." She served three terms in Congress, where she was known for her outspoken style and larger-than-life personality, characterized by her broad-brimmed hats and colorful attire.

During her tenure, Abzug worked tirelessly to advance women's rights and was a key figure in the feminist movement of the 1970s. She was instrumental in the passage of several landmark pieces of legislation, including the Title IX amendments, which prohibited gender discrimination in federally funded education programs, and played a pivotal role in founding the National Women’s Political Caucus. Abzug also worked on a range of issues from environmental conservation to opposing the Vietnam War.

In 1976, she unsuccessfully sought a seat in the U.S. Senate and later ran for Mayor of New York City in 1977, though she did not win. Despite these setbacks, Abzug never wavered in her commitment to activism and advocacy. After leaving Congress, she continued to work on behalf of women and human rights, serving on the National Advisory Council for Women and representing the U.S. at various United Nations conferences focused on women and equality.

Bella Abzug's legacy lives on as a symbol of women's empowerment and fearless political leadership. Her contributions to American politics and her unwavering advocacy for equality and justice have made her an enduring figure in the history of civil rights and feminism in the United States.