In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re stepping into the world of one of the boldest, most uncompromising voices in American history — Bella Abzug. She challenged Congress, rewrote the rules for women’s rights, and made it clear that equality wasn’t something to politely request. It was something to demand. And we’re exploring her legacy through the person who knew her best: her daughter, Liz Abzug.

Liz has spent decades carrying her mother’s torch — from fighting to bring the new American Masters documentary Bella! This Woman’s Place Is in the House to audiences nationwide (now streaming on PBS through April 15), to founding the Bella Abzug Leadership Institute, where young women learn to lead with courage, clarity, and conviction.

This episode is a tribute, a history lesson, and a call to action — all in one powerful conversation. Watch the video or listen to the podcast on Apple Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.

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Interview Highlights

Cheryl interviewed Liz Abzug about her mother Bella Abzug, a fearless voice in American history who challenged Congress and fought for women’s rights. Liz shared that she first realized her mother’s national impact when Bella ran for Congress at age 50, and Liz was 17, noting how the media attention elevated Bella’s profile due to her unique presence as one of only 11-12 women in Congress at the time. When discussing the documentary footage, Liz emphasized how Bella’s powerful voice, passion, and charismatic communication style stood out, and the limited presence of women leaders in politics during that era.

Bella Abzug Film Distribution Discussion

Liz discussed the distribution of a film about Bella Abzug, which was ultimately aired on PBS during Women’s History Month. She explained that after conducting interviews with notable figures like Barbra Streisand, Nancy Pelosi, and Gloria Steinem, she realized the importance of bringing the content to a national audience. Liz highlighted how Bella’s ability to express anger and fight for justice, particularly in her early career as a young lawyer, inspired the women interviewed in the film.

 Bella’s Legislative Achievements and Impact

Liz discussed Bella’s significant legislative achievements, including the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, which allowed unmarried women to obtain credit in their own name, the first National Gay Rights Bill introduced in 1974, and the Freedom of Information Act. Liz highlighted how these laws represented fundamental changes in society and women’s rights, noting that even young women today are often surprised to learn about the historical barriers faced by single women regarding credit access.

 Bella’s Legislative and Political Strategy

Liz discussed Bella’s legislative tactics and ability to work across the aisle, highlighting her successful passage of key legislation like the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and Title IX. Liz cited her historical precedent of calling for Nixon’s impeachment just a month after being elected to Congress. The conversation concluded with Liz sharing how her parents’ activism in the 1950s for school integration and civil rights influenced her family’s commitment to fighting for justice and equality.

 Bella Abzug Leadership Institute Discussion

Liz discussed her mother, Bella’s, remarkable career as a civil rights lawyer, including her famous Willie McGee case in Mississippi, and shared how her parents supported each other in their demanding work. She described founding the Bella Abzug Leadership Institute 20 years ago to empower young women and girls from diverse backgrounds with leadership skills, having trained nearly 4,000 participants, including those who gained admission to prestigious universities. Liz currently teaches a course with former Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney on the Equal Rights Amendment and is working on a social media campaign to promote its passage.