Bella Abzug & Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin

The Riveting Rosies Podcast

Women’s Equality Day, which commemorates the 1920 certification of the 19th Amendment, is August 26. The 19th Amendment is of course what granted women the right to vote in the United States, & came after a nearly century long civil rights movement. The eventual passing of the 19th Amendment was only made possible by the activism of hundreds if not thousands of women over the years who contributed their time, treasure, & effort to equal rights.

So what a better way to commemorate this occasion than covering two amazing Rosies who helped make this possible for all of us?

Born "Battling Bella" Savitzky on July 24, 1920, Bella Abzug was a pioneering feminist force who fearlessly championed gender equality and civil rights. As a trailblazing lawyer, she sported flamboyant hats to challenge norms and advocate for labor and tenants' rights. Elected to Congress in 1970, she notably fought for the Equal Rights Amendment, LGBTQ rights, and transparency in government. Bella co-founded the National Women’s Political Caucus and played a crucial role in establishing Women’s Equality Day. Her legacy extends through the Bella Abzug Leadership Institute, inspiring generations of feminist leaders. Bella Abzug's lifelong commitment to justice solidifies her status as an iconic feminist figure.

Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin, born in 1842, Boston, was a pioneering African American suffragist and activist. She co-founded the Woman's Era newspaper in 1890, advocating for racial equality and women's rights. A dedicated abolitionist, Ruffin played a key role in forming the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs and was instrumental in establishing the NAACP. Her steadfast efforts, from promoting interracial activities to fighting for suffrage, left an enduring legacy of intersectional feminism and social change, inspiring generations to come.

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