This collection is located onsite.
The collection includes scripts for these CNN Spots, as well as campaign literature and other materials related to Bella Abzug's career.
Rbml Advance Appointment
This collection is located onsite.
Single reproductions may be made for research purposes. It is the responsibility of the user to secure permission for publication or use from the appropriate copyright holder.
Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Rochelle Lefkowitz Papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.
Bella Abzug Papers. Columbia University Libraries.
Columbia University Libraries, Rare Book and Manuscript Library
Rochelle Lefkowitz was employed part-time as a writer for Bella Abzug from 1980-1983. She wrote over 400 90-second editorials/speeches Bella delivered at CNN in 1980-1983.
Shortly after CNN launched June 1, 1980, Bella Abzug was retained to write and deliver five short commentaries each week on a very broad range of political, social, cultural, feminist and other issues. Bella and Rochelle Lefkowitz, an activist, women's rights advocate, and author, who worked with her, called them the "CNN Spots."
These Spots supplemented CNN's news coverage and original programs including Moneyline, Evans & Novak, Crossfire, and Larry King Live. These commentaries overlapped and aligned with Bella Abzug's activities at Women USA, which she co-founded with Gloria Steinem, Maxine Waters, Maggie Kuhn, her co-thinker and speechwriter Mim Kelber, and others after she was dismissed in 1979 as head of President Carter's Advisory Committee on Women. She continued her commentaries as she played a major role at several UN International Women's Conferences and many other activities.
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