Constance Baker Motley was a trailblazing African American civil rights activist, lawyer, judge, and politician. She was born on September 14, 1921, in New Haven, Connecticut. Motley was the first Black woman to serve in the New York State Senate in 1964.

Motley made significant contributions to the civil rights movement as a lawyer for the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. She successfully argued ten major civil rights cases before the Supreme Court, including the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education in 1954, which outlawed racial segregation in public schools.

In 1966, Constance Baker Motley became the first Black woman to serve as a federal judge when President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed her to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. She served on the bench for over 40 years, issuing numerous rulings that advanced civil rights and equality in America.

Throughout her career, Motley fought tirelessly for justice and equality, breaking down barriers for women and people of color in the legal profession and paving the way for future generations of Black lawyers and judges. Constance Baker Motley's legacy continues to inspire and empower individuals to advocate for civil rights and social justice.