Roosevelt House Hosts Live Celebration of Bella Abzug's Legacy

NY1 partners with Hunter College to honor the trailblazing congresswoman and feminist icon.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 11:00am

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In a special live event at Roosevelt House in Manhattan, NY1’s Errol Louis moderated a panel discussion celebrating the life and enduring impact of Bella Abzug, the pioneering congresswoman and feminist leader. The panel featured Abzug’s daughter Liz, former press secretary Harold Holzer, and National Women’s Political Caucus co-founder Letty Cottin Pogrebin, who shared personal reflections, historical insights, and the lasting influence of Abzug’s work.

Why it matters

Bella Abzug was a trailblazing figure in American politics, known for her outspoken advocacy for women’s rights, civil rights, and progressive causes. This event at the historic Roosevelt House highlights her continued legacy and influence, bringing together those who knew her best to commemorate her life and work.

The details

The live panel discussion was recorded at Roosevelt House, the former home of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, and was co-hosted by NY1 and Hunter College’s Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute. The conversation featured personal anecdotes and historical perspectives from Abzug’s daughter Liz, former press secretary Harold Holzer, and National Women’s Political Caucus co-founder Letty Cottin Pogrebin.

  • The event was recorded live on March 19, 2026.
  • The special podcast episode featuring the panel discussion was released on March 26, 2026.

The players

Bella Abzug

A trailblazing congresswoman and feminist icon who served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1971 to 1977, known for her outspoken advocacy for women’s rights, civil rights, and progressive causes.

Liz Abzug

The daughter of Bella Abzug and a panelist at the event, sharing personal reflections on her mother’s legacy.

Harold Holzer

The director of Hunter College’s Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute and a former press secretary for Bella Abzug, providing historical insight on her life and work.

Letty Cottin Pogrebin

The co-founder of the National Women’s Political Caucus and a panelist at the event, discussing Bella Abzug’s lasting influence on politics and the fight for equality.

Errol Louis

The host of NY1’s “You Decide with Errol Louis” podcast, who moderated the live panel discussion.

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What they’re saying

“Bella Abzug was a force of nature, a tireless advocate, and a true inspiration to so many. Her legacy continues to shape the fight for women’s rights and social justice.”

— Liz Abzug, Daughter of Bella Abzug

“Working alongside Bella Abzug was a privilege and an education. She taught us all to be bold, unapologetic, and relentless in pursuit of our values and ideals.”

— Harold Holzer, Director, Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute

“Bella Abzug’s spirit and vision continue to inspire a new generation of leaders and activists. Her work is far from finished, and we must honor her legacy by carrying it forward.”

— Letty Cottin Pogrebin, Co-founder, National Women’s Political Caucus

What’s next

The special podcast episode featuring the full panel discussion will be available on all major podcast platforms starting March 26, 2026.

The takeaway

This event at the historic Roosevelt House underscores Bella Abzug’s enduring legacy as a trailblazing congresswoman and feminist icon. Through the voices of those who knew her best, it celebrates her lifelong commitment to women’s rights, civil rights, and progressive causes, and inspires a new generation to carry on her work.