US Congresswoman. At a time when very few women practiced law, she graduating from Columbia University's law school, was admitted to the bar in 1947, practiced law at the firm of Pressman, Witt & Cammer, New York City and took on civil rights cases and was also an activist in the Woman’s Movement. Known as “Battling Bella”, in the 1960s, she became involved in the antinuclear and peace movements and helped organize the Women Strike for Peace. Carrying on as a feminist advocate, in 1971, he was elected as a Democrat to the 92nd Congress and to the next two succeeding Congresses, serving until 1977. She was the first Jewish woman to be elected to the U.S. Congress. An unsuccessful candidate for re-nomination, she was appointed by President Jimmy Carter to co-chair the National Advisory Committee for Women, serving (1977-79). After leaving politics, she remained active in the feminist movement, addressed international women’s conferences and established the Women’s Environment and Development Organization. She died at age 77 from complications following heart surgery.

US Congresswoman. At a time when very few women practiced law, she graduating from Columbia University's law school, was admitted to the bar in 1947, practiced law at the firm of Pressman, Witt & Cammer, New York City and took on civil rights cases and was also an activist in the Woman’s Movement. Known as “Battling Bella”, in the 1960s, she became involved in the antinuclear and peace movements and helped organize the Women Strike for Peace. Carrying on as a feminist advocate, in 1971, he was elected as a Democrat to the 92nd Congress and to the next two succeeding Congresses, serving until 1977. She was the first Jewish woman to be elected to the U.S. Congress. An unsuccessful candidate for re-nomination, she was appointed by President Jimmy Carter to co-chair the National Advisory Committee for Women, serving (1977-79). After leaving politics, she remained active in the feminist movement, addressed international women’s conferences and established the Women’s Environment and Development Organization. She died at age 77 from complications following heart surgery.

Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith