You Decide with Errol Louis Bella's Battles: The Activist and Icon Who Changed America - Part 1
Dec 17, 2025
In this insightful discussion, Bella Abzug, a trailblazing lawyer and politician, shares her journey from the Bronx to the halls of Congress. Joined by historian Harold Holzer, journalist Gloria Steinem, and activist Ronnie Eldridge, they reflect on Bella's fearless activism in civil rights and anti-war movements. The guests delve into the sexism she faced in law and politics, her founding of Women's Strike for Peace, and the bold decision to run for Congress at 50, ultimately reshaping the narrative for women in leadership.
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Eleanor Roosevelt Sparked Her Hat Icon
- Eleanor Roosevelt inspired Bella to wear hats at college, starting a lifelong trademark.
- Her first hat at Hunter matched Roosevelt's and began a public persona shift.
Gender Barriers Shaped Her Resolve
- Columbia accepted Bella when Harvard would not admit women, revealing gender barriers in legal education.
- She faced condescension in law school but resolved to prove herself in the profession.
Defending Willie McGee At Great Personal Cost
- Bella traveled to Mississippi to appeal Willie McGee's death sentence and suffered a miscarriage after being denied basic accommodations.
- She continued to argue the case up to the Supreme Court despite personal cost.