Constance Baker Motley Quotes
Constance Baker Motley was an American civil rights activist, lawyer, and judge. She was the first African American woman to serve as a federal judge and played a crucial role in the civil rights movement. Motley was born in 1921 in New Haven, Connecticut and grew up in a segregated community. She a…Read More
Constance Baker Motley was an American civil rights activist, lawyer, and judge. She was the first African American woman to serve as a federal judge and played a crucial role in the civil rights movement. Motley was born in 1921 in New Haven, Connecticut and grew up in a segregated community. She attended Columbia Law School and became the first African American woman to graduate from the school in 1946. Motley worked as a lawyer for the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, where she helped litigate landmark civil rights cases, including Brown v. Board of Education. In 1966, she was appointed to the federal bench by President Lyndon B. Johnson, making her the first African American woman to serve as a federal judge. Motley continued to fight for civil rights throughout her career and was a trailblazer for women and people of color in the legal profession. She wrote her autobiography, “Equal Justice Under Law,” which was published in 1998. Motley’s legacy continues to inspire and her contributions to the civil rights movement will never be forgotten.Read Less
Constance Baker Motley was an American civil rights activist, lawyer, and judge. She was the first African American woman to serve as a federal judge and played a crucial role in the civil rights movement. Motley was born in 1921 in New Haven, Connecticut and grew up in a segregated community. She attended Columbia Law School and became the first African American woman to graduate from the school in 1946. Motley worked as a lawyer for the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, where she helped litigate landmark civil rights cases, including Brown v. Board of Education. In 1966, she was appointed to the federal bench by President Lyndon B. Johnson, making her the first African American woman to serve as a federal judge. Motley continued to fight for civil rights throughout her career and was a trailblazer for women and people of color in the legal profession. She wrote her autobiography, “Equal Justice Under Law,” which was published in 1998. Motley’s legacy continues to inspire and her contributions to the civil rights movement will never be forgotten.
16 Best Constance Baker Motley Quotes
Constance Baker Motley Career Highlights
- Motley began her career as a law clerk for Thurgood Marshall at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF) in 1945. She worked on several landmark civil rights cases, including Brown v. Board of Education, which ended racial segregation in public schools.
- In 1950, Motley became the first African American woman to argue a case before the United States Supreme Court, winning the case of Meredith v. Fair.
- In 1964, Motley became the first African American woman to be elected to the New York State Senate, where she served for four years.
- In 1966, Motley was appointed to the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, becoming the first African American woman to serve as a federal judge.
- Motley served as a federal judge for 28 years, during which she presided over several high-profile cases, including the desegregation of the New York City public schools and the protection of the rights of women and minorities.
Key Contributions by Constance Baker Motley
- Motley’s work at the NAACP LDF was instrumental in the success of the civil rights movement. She helped draft the legal brief for Brown v. Board of Education, which led to the landmark Supreme Court decision that declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional.
- As a state senator, Motley introduced and supported legislation that aimed to end discrimination in housing, employment, and education.
- As a federal judge, Motley made significant contributions to the advancement of civil rights and gender equality. She issued rulings that desegregated schools, protected the rights of women and minorities, and promoted equal access to education and employment opportunities.
What Sets Constance Baker Motley Apart
- Motley’s determination and perseverance in the face of discrimination and adversity set her apart from her peers. She faced numerous challenges as an African American woman in the legal profession, but she never let them deter her from fighting for justice and equality.
- Motley’s legal expertise and strategic thinking were crucial in the success of many civil rights cases. She was known for her meticulous preparation and persuasive arguments, which earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues and opponents.
- Motley’s commitment to public service and her unwavering dedication to the cause of civil rights set her apart as a leader and role model for future generations.
Takeaways
- Constance Baker Motley’s career highlights the importance of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity. Despite facing numerous challenges, she never wavered in her commitment to fighting for justice and equality.
- Motley’s contributions to the civil rights movement and the legal profession have had a lasting impact on American society. Her work helped pave the way for future generations of women and minorities in the legal field.
- Motley’s legacy serves as a reminder of the power of the law in promoting social change and the importance of diversity and representation in the legal system.
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