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American Masters

How Bella Abzug elevated feminist causes while in office

Season 40 Episode 3 | 2m 10s

While in Congress, Bella Abzug elevated feminist causes, including women's financial independence. She helped pass the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, which allowed women to have their own credit.

Support for American Masters is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, AARP, Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, Blanche and Hayward Cirker Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Koo and Patricia Yuen, Lillian Goldman Programming Endowment, Seton J. Melvin, Thea Petschek Iervolino Foundation, Anita and Jay Kaufman, The Philip and Janice Levin Foundation, Kate W. Cassidy Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, The Ambrose Monell Foundation, Ellen and James S. Marcus, The Charina Endowment Fund, The Marc Haas Foundation and public television viewers.
Extras
Watch • 2:29
American Masters
W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel With A Cause
Explore the life and legacy of notable Black scholar and civil rights pioneer W.E.B. Du Bois.
Preview: S40 E4 | 2:29
Watch • 2:41
American Masters
Bella! This Woman's Place Is in the House
Follow the meteoric rise of firebrand politician and activist Bella Abzug.
Preview: S40 E3 | 2:41
Watch • 0:55
American Masters
Defining what's missing in our democracy
In 1975, Bella Abzug went on the "Dinah!" show and questioned what was missing in our democracy.
Clip: S40 E3 | 0:55
Watch • 0:57
American Masters
In The Making: Season 4
Eight cultural icons on their journeys to becoming masters of their artistic disciplines.
Preview: 0:57
Watch • 3:39
American Masters
Sun Ra's profound impact on Arkestra members
Sun Ra had a profound and lasting influence on members of the Sun Ra Arkestra.
Clip: S40 E2 | 3:39
Watch • 3:29
American Masters
Sun Ra’s concept of “alter destiny” was his way of changing humanity
Sun Ra wanted to change humanity with his concept of the “alter destiny.”
Clip: S40 E2 | 3:29
Watch • 2:03
American Masters
How Sun Ra created his own record label, Saturn Records
Sun Ra was one of the first Black artists to have his own record label.
Clip: S40 E2 | 2:03
Watch • 2:46
American Masters
How Sun Ra gave thanks to the Creator
Each day, Sun Ra wrote a piece of music solely for “the Creator.”
Clip: S40 E2 | 2:46
Watch • 2:02
American Masters
Sun Ra: Do The Impossible
Discover the extraordinary life of poet, philosopher and music visionary Sun Ra.
Preview: S40 E2 | 2:02
Watch • 1:23:05
American Masters
Sun Ra: Do The Impossible [ASL]
Discover the extraordinary life of poet, philosopher and music visionary Sun Ra. ASL version.
Special: 1:23:05